BFAR-Kalinga trains students and MSMEs in fish processing and packaging to boost income

Tabuk City, Kalinga – A two-day post-harvest training conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Kalinga provided learners and small entrepreneurs in the province with the skills to earn more from fish that is often sold simply as fresh.

The initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-Kalinga), was held last week as part of BFAR’s ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots livelihoods through skills development.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on Wednesday, March 25, Fishing Regulations Officer 1 Sarah Jean Biyang said the training gathered students, MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises), and other interested individuals from different parts of the province.

"Sa post-harvest training, nag-product development and labeling kami kadagijay students ken MSMEs. Kadagijay students from Agbbanawag National High School, ken dagitoy young farmers from Tabuk City. May mga interested individuals din from Pinukpuk, and may mga OJTs din from KSU," she said.

During the training, Biyang explained, participants learned post-harvest technologies such as fish drying, proper handling, and storage—techniques designed to extend shelf life and reduce losses.

They were also trained on packaging methods, including the use of food-safe materials, vacuum sealing or tight wrapping to maintain freshness, labeling that meets market requirements, and basic branding and presentation skills, which are key to making products more appealing and competitive in local markets.

“Nasurwan da kasanu ag-dry ti fish kasjay, then packaging, and skills that will ma-improve pay dagijay products da tapno mas kumita da pay through the help of DTI-Kalinga,” added Biyang.

By the end of the training, participants learned how to increase their earnings from fish while complying with food safety and market standards.