Bohol — The City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (CAVO) wrapped up a three‑day fish processing and value‑added product development training on June 25, 2026, equipping members of the KASAMMA Fisherfolk Association with skills to transform their catch into shelf‑ready products. The initiative aims to boost household incomes and create new livelihood streams for coastal families.
A Hands‑On Path to Higher Earnings
Participants gathered for three full days of lectures and practical exercises designed to add value to their daily haul. The training blended entrepreneurship basics with gender and development sessions, ensuring that both men and women could see themselves as business owners. Resource speakers from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region VII and the Bohol Provincial Fisheries Office led each module.
The curriculum covered the fundamentals of fish and fishery products processing, from proper handling to sanitation standards. Fisherfolk learned different methods of preservation that extend shelf life and reduce post‑harvest losses. The hands‑on practicum focused on bangus deboning and bottled bangus production, two skills that immediately increase the market value of milkfish.
Turning a Simple Catch into a Shelf‑Ready Product
Bottled bangus in oil or brine commands a higher price than fresh fish sold at the port. By mastering deboning techniques and safe bottling methods, KASAMMA members can now produce goods suitable for local markets, pasalubong centers, and even online selling. The training transformed raw fish into a product that can be stored, transported, and sold over a longer period.
The inclusion of basic entrepreneurship ensured that participants understand costing, pricing, and simple record‑keeping. Gender and development sessions highlighted the important role of women in fishery‑based enterprises, encouraging shared decision‑making and equal access to resources. This holistic approach builds both technical and business confidence.
Local Government Backing Livelihood Resilience
Mayor Jane Yap and the Yap‑Jala administration threw their full support behind the program, recognizing that sustainable livelihood opportunities are key to community resilience. CAVO continues to partner with national agencies to bring practical training directly to fisherfolk associations, bridging the gap between policy and the daily realities of coastal life.
The KASAMMA Fisherfolk Association now joins a growing network of community groups across Bohol benefiting from similar initiatives. Across the province, BFAR‑VII has been rolling out parallel trainings on tilapia processing, food safety, and financial literacy. These interconnected programs are creating a stronger, more diversified blue economy where small‑scale fishers can earn beyond the daily market price.
