For coastal communities like Sapian, Capiz, the sea is more than a source of food, it is a vital source of livelihood for local fisherfolk. As the demand for sustainable and productive aquaculture practices continues to grow, the adoption of appropriate science, technology, and innovation (STI) practices becomes essential in strengthening shellfish production while protecting marine resources.
Recognizing this need, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Capiz, in collaboration with the local government unit of Sapian and BPI Foundation, Inc., conducted a two-day training on environment-friendly aquaculture technologies for fisherfolk beneficiaries in Sapian, Capiz under the Community Empowerment Thru Science and Technology Program and Project SAFE SHELL (Sustainable Aquaculture for Food and Enterprise-Safe, Healthy, Eco-friendly, Local Livelihood Fund).
The training was conducted to strengthen the knowledge and skills of local fisherfolk in adopting sustainable shellfish culture practices, particularly the single oyster culture method and longline mussel culture method. These technologies are intended to provide more efficient and environmentally responsible approaches to shellfish production while supporting the livelihood of coastal communities.
Participants of the training included members of the Lonoy Agrarian Reform Cooperative (LARC), Majanlud Fisherfolks Association (MAFA), Sapian Shellfish Farmers Association (SaShFA), and Maninang Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (MFFA).
The participants were trained on the single oyster culture method, facilitated by Ms. Rizza Mae Guyapale of the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR). The method involves cultivating oysters individually using cylindrical oyster bags made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) wire, providing sufficient space for the oysters to grow while allowing easier handling and management throughout the production cycle. Compared with traditional culture practices, the single oyster approach can help promote better growth, facilitate monitoring, and improve the quality and marketability of harvested oysters.
“Paagi sa ginpaambit nga kaalam parte sa single oyster culture method, nakita namon nga may mas epektibo pa gali nga pamaagi sa pagpadako sang talaba,” shared Diony L. Obamos, MFFA President. [Through the knowledge shared about the single oyster culture method, we found out that there’s actually a more effective way to grow oysters.]
On the second day, Mr. John Rey Moleño of the University of the Philippines Visayas – Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology (UPV-IMFO) facilitated the training on the longline mussel culture method. The technology uses a suspended longline system where mussel-growing substrates are attached to a horizontal line supported by floats. This culture method makes use of the water column, allowing mussels to grow above the seafloor while providing an organized system for monitoring, maintenance, and harvesting.
“Nabuksan gid ang amon kaisipan sang ginpakilala ang longline mussel culture method. Sang una, naanad kami sa tradisyonal kag nakasanayan nga pagpatubo sang tahong,” said Elmo Ochon, SaShFA President., [Our thinking was really opened up when the longline mussel culture method was introduced to us. Before, we were used to the traditional way we’d always grown mussels.]
The use of longline culture can also provide an alternative to bottom-based culture practices and may help maximize available coastal waters for shellfish production. Through proper management, the method can support increased production while minimizing disturbance to the surrounding marine environment.
By equipping fisherfolk with these environment-friendly technologies, DOST, LGU Sapian and its partnership with BPI Foundation aim to help coastal communities in Sapian adopt more sustainable, efficient, and profitable shellfish farming practices while safeguarding the marine resources their livelihoods depend on. (LNGGebauer/VDGAlinsog/DOST Capiz; Photos by: VBDelaPeña, LNGGebauer, VDGAlinsog)
Related stories: https://region6.dost.gov.ph/2026/09/03/dost-bpi-foundation-provide-production-and-post-harvest-materials-to-support-livelihood-of-fisherfolks-in-capiz/
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 (𝘋𝘖𝘚𝘛) 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺’𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘴, 𝘋𝘖𝘚𝘛 𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘚&𝘛 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵—𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘰.
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