2 weeks Ago By Jerra Mae Librea
THE seaweed industry has become a significant economic engine for Central Visayas, generating an estimated P350 to P400 million in annual revenue in 2024, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) 7. BFAR 7, in an interview with SunStar Cebu, stated that Central Visayas accounts for 4.7 percent of the country’s total seaweed production.
As of the third quarter of 2024, the Philippines had produced 999,284.21 metric tons (MT) of seaweed, with 7,978.72 MT originating from Central Visayas.
Within Central Visayas, Bohol is the leading producer of seaweed, followed by Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor. The seaweed species cultivated in the region include Kappaphycusalvarezii/cottonii (cottonii seaweed or “guso”), Kappaphycus striatus (elkhorn seaweed or “sacol”), Caulerpa lentillifera/lato (“lato” or “sea grapes”), Ulva spp. (sea lettuce), Sargassum spp.
(brown seaweed) and Halymenia spp. (red seaweed). Bfar 7 Director Mario Ruinata noted that the Philippine seaweed industry has transformed over the past decades, evolving from small-scale, wild harvesting to a significant contributor to the national economy and a global player in the seaweed market.
Ruinata said the seaweed industry in Central Visayas began in the 1990s, but production decreased after the 2013 earthquake in Bohol. Ruinata did not provide specific details on when the region recovered and its production increased again. According to Bfar 7, the seaweed industry is currently experiencing a surge in interest due to its potential to address various environmental and economic challenges.
While traditionally used for food and hydrocolloids, new applications are emerging, including bio-stimulants, animal feed additives, pet food and methane-reducing feed additives. Ruinata emphasized that the seaweed industry plays a crucial role in boosting income and improving livelihoods for local communities, particularly in coastal areas. Seaweed farming in the Philippines employs around 26,000 farmers, with 78 percent being women.
“This number doesn’t include workers involved in processing, distribution and other aspects of the industry. Ongoing research and development in seaweed cultivation, processing and applications also create employment opportunities for scientists, researchers and technicians,” he added. Challenges Bfar 7 reports that while seaweed farming holds promise for sustainable development, it faces several challenges that hinder its growth and profitability.
The agency has identified climate change impacts, disease outbreaks and nutrient depletion as environmental challenges faced by seaweed farmers. Limited processing capabilities, import competition, fluctuating market prices and high initial investment also present challenges for many farmers. “Fluctuations in global market prices have a significant and often detrimental impact on local seaweed farmers,” Ruinata explained.
Programs Ruinata said the Department of Agriculture has an Enhanced Philippine Seaweed Development Program that aims to revitalize the industry and regain the Philippines’ position as the world’s leading seaweed producer. For the regional office, Bfar 7 implements several programs and interventions to support the seaweed industry and its farmers. These include the establishment of a Seaweed Tissue Culture Laboratory and seaweed nurseries, the provision of farm implements and laboratory-produced, high-quality seaweed propagules and solar drying facilities.
The agency also conducts technical assistance and advisory services, training on the management and operation of seaweed farming, seaweed value-adding and processing, linkaging, benchmarking, networking and marketing. / JJL.
