DOST IX grants 700k-worth Seaweed Dryer Project to Coastal Communities in ZDS
A grant worth ?700,000.00 was given by the Department of Science and Technology Region IX (DOST-IX) to the Bomba and Baroy Seaweeds Farmers Association, composed of two groups of seaweed farmers in the coastal communities of the Municipality of Dumalinao and Pagadian City in Zamboanga Del Sur.
The project entitled “Province-Wide Technology Adoption of DOST-Funded Greenhouse Permanent / Floating Type Seaweed Dryer with Foldable Siding for the Seaweed Farmers” is being implemented through its Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) of Zamboanga Del Sur with the assistance of the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur, headed by Hon. Victor J. Yu.
Through the grant, the association was able to acquire the permanent seaweed dryers that are expected to yield better quality and higher valued dried seaweeds that will benefit150 local seaweed farmers.Both groups cultivate Kappaphycusalvarezii (cottoniitype) locally known as “guso” or “agar-agar”.
Thesaid Grant-In-Aid program is in collaboration with the University of the Philippines – Los Banos (UPLB) – Center of Agri-Fisheries and Biosystems Mechanization (BIOMECH). The innovative design of the seaweed dryer was done under the leadership of Dr. Ronel S. Pangan of UPLB-BIOMECH that isdesigned to suit the variable environmental conditions of different seaweed culture sites in the country.
The use of this drying technology ensures higher efficacy of drying and secures freshly harvested seaweeds from abrupt weather changes, ultimately improving the quality of dried seaweeds as compared to conventional seaweed drying practices.
The DOST-GIA program has been reputed to serve and promote inclusivity to local communities by developing and introducing technological innovations and collaborating with various government institutions in order to achieve a holistic and positive impact.
For more information, please call please call (062) 991-1024/ (062) 925 1838or text 09177184284and look for Nori Vincent C. Aposagas, or email DOST-IX at dost9info@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DOSTRegion9 (NVCAposagas, DOST/PSTC-ZDS)
