GOVPH

Author: Maria Ana A. Espiritu, SRS - II, PSTO-Aurora

Blessed with abundant natural resources and beautiful landscapes, the San Ildefonso Peninsula in Casiguran, Aurora is now being developed and promoted as a new tourist destination in the province of Aurora. The Agta Tribe in Brgy. Cozo, one of the barangays along the peninsula, is among those expected to benefit from the influx of tourists in the area.

The Agta Tribe main source of living is fishing. Anticipating the opportunity presented by this development, they organized themselves into the Smahan ng mga Katutubong Agta na Ikhan at Lhaman Phisad-Phisad (SAKAILAP) and ventured into fish processing. They use fish which have low market value such as small yellow fin tuna, locally known as burubuto, and matambaka or bigeye scad to produce smoked fish.

In support to this endeavor, the Department of Science and Technology-3 through the Aurora Provincial S&T Office provided technical assistance under the Grant-In-Aid Program. The project amounting to Php 457,700.00 includes the provision of fish processing equipment, initial packaging materials, laboratory analysis of products, and label design execution. The Memorandum of Agreement for the project was signed by Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, the Regional Director of DOST-3, PSTD Maricel M. Sicat, Barangay Captain Emelita M. Curitana of Brgy. Cozo, and Mrs. Josie D. Alcantara, the president of SAKAILAP.

Last March 2, 2023, a training on bottled fish in oil was conducted by Ms. Maria Ana A. Espiritu of PSTO-Aurora which was attended by fifteen (15) members of SAKAILAP. The training was conducted to develop new product lines of the association. Basic product costing was also discussed to the participants by Mrs. Luzviminda D. Sardea. With the provision of technical assistance, the SAKAILAP is expected to contribute to the economic development of their community.

Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between DOST-3 and SAKAILAP on November 8, 2022

Training on fish processing conducted last March 2, 2023.

Delivery of equipment and packaging materials to SAKAILAP.