The Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has distributed P34.66 million worth of specialized deep-sea seaweed farming equipment across the Zamboanga Peninsula, stepping up efforts to raise grower incomes and rebuild the country’s standing in the global seaweed industry. The 29 complete nursery systems were handed over in Zamboanga del Sur on October 13, Zamboanga Sibugay on October 15, Zamboanga City on October 20, and Zamboanga del Norte on October 22. Each package valued at around P1.2 million includes high-density polyethylene nursery structures designed for raft-based deep-sea farming, alongside seaweed seedlings, anchors, floats, nets, and essential drying and packing materials.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that the support is meant to expand production and sharpen the country’s competitiveness in a sector it helped pioneer, particularly for carrageenan-producing varieties such as Kappaphycus. He noted that boosting output opens better earning opportunities for coastal communities while helping the Philippines regain lost ground in the carrageenan market. Once the world’s top seaweed producer, the Philippines now ranks fourth globally, having been overtaken by Indonesia in raw output even as it retains strong advantage in carrageenan processing.
This distribution forms part of broader government efforts to lift farm productivity, build better market connections, and develop higher-value seaweed products. Targeting 2% annual production growth from 2022 through 2026, the project is designed to do more than increase harvest volumes. For seaweed growers, the improved equipment means more reliable yields, better product quality, and stronger links to markets—turning coastal resources into steady, sustainable livelihoods while rebuilding the nation’s position as a key global supplier.
