The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and major players of the fisheries industry in the City convened today for a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) session on the value-adding of fishery by-products at the Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City.
This initial FGD focused on exploring viable R&D collaboration options with the industry, and establishing a solid and meaningful network relationship between the government, the academe, and the fisheries industry. Among a number of topics, the group centered on market-driven R&D in the regions to solve local industry problems and prioritizing by-products of the tuna and sardines processing industry for value adding.
Attending the FGD were owners and plant managers of Seacoast Top Choice Food Corporation, Bigfish Foods Corporation, Universal Canning Incorporated, PERMEX Producer and Exporter Corporation, and Mega Fishing Corporation.
Also present were experts and representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, Western Mindanao State University, and the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences & Technology.
Facilitated by no less than the DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Brenda L. Nazareth-Manzano, Dr. Anthony C. Sales, Regional Director of DOST XI and Dr. Ma. Patricia V. Azanza, Director of the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), Engr. Niñaliza Escorial, Chief, ITDD of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), and the abovementioned parties succeeded in identifying the following priority areas:
• Human resource development on value analysis/value engineering
• The base-lining of information on current fishing practices (capture to postharvest)
• R&D on existing by-products:
o Fish Oil
o Fish Scales
o Collagen
o Chitin
o Tile / Particle Board (Construction Materials)
o Imitation Pearl
o Decorative items
o Fish Proteins
o Fish Bones
o Flavors
o Fish powder
o Skin
• R&D on new Products:
o Fish Loaf
o Sausage
o Sardine Roll
o Fish Spread
• R&D on operations:
o Waste Management
o Water Sources
o Methane as Energy Source
Members of the group have stated that additional meetings are expected, and progress on the activities will closely be followed.
For more information, please call (062) 991-1024 or text 0917 705 4686. Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DOSTRegion9 (Bon Padayhag, DOST IX Press Release)
