IBA, Zambales (PIA) -- Fisherfolk in a community in Subic, Zambales were taught how to smoke their fish catch in a skills training program undertaken by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). 

A total of 50 members of the Nagtulong Fish Farmers Association participated in the training.

BFAR Provincial Fisheries Officer Neil Encinaries said the capacity building activity, in collaboration with FishRight, focused on enhancing the post-harvest skills of participants.

“I hope the beneficiaries would leverage their newfound skills to enhance the value of their catch and contribute to the sustainable growth of the local fisheries industry,” he added.

Participants engaged in hands-on training sessions on the smoking of galunggong, a popular fish species in the Philippines. 

BFAR Fisheries Post-Harvest and Marketing Section Officer-In-Charge Stephen Arlo Lapid talked about good manufacturing practices and the importance of maintaining quality and hygiene standards throughout the post-harvest process to ensure that the final product meets market requirements.

The activity covered various aspects of the smoking process, from preparation to smoking techniques, imparting practical knowledge that attendees could directly apply in their daily fishing activities. (CLJD/RGP-PIA 3)