LUCENA CITY, Quezon (PIA)- Department of Trade and Industry - Quezon and Sariaya local government see capiz products as a possible business venture in Brgy. Castañas, Sariaya, Quezon where the shells are abundant.

DTI-Quezon represented by Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist Ma. Graciela C. Ledesma and Negosyo Center Sariaya Business Counselor Shayne B. Nocus visited the town on May 30 focusing on the business potential involving the shellfish.

Capiz, also known as windowpane oyster, can be found in the waters of Castañas, Sariaya, Quezon. Capiz is edible, its meat is a source of food for local fishermen and their families, while their shells are processed for décor and handicrafts.

At present, their harvest is sold to a trader from Cavite and is used as raw material Industry Development for lantern making. 

Ms. Estela R. Atienza, Executive Assistant I, of LGU Sariaya, Quezon says Capiz can be the next big thing in Sariaya and can help the community of fisherfolks through these resources with the assistance of different government agencies.

“Instead of selling these to traders, they can be converted into products that are in demand in the market, we have to prepare the community by establishing an entrepreneurial mindset, having the passion, and being committed to their craft,” she added

The capiz handicraft industry in Sariaya, Quezon  according to DTI shows a lot of potential, but there is still a lot to do. Proper planning should be the first step to ensure that the project will be sustainable.

Fisherfolks and their families should be willing to undergo trainings and seminars in producing products such as Christmas parols, lamp  shades ,windows and ornaments. (Ruel Orinday-PIA Quezon with reports from DTI- Quezon)