By Mary Joy S. Valiente

SAAD LDN trains fisherfolk on packaging, labeling to boost market reach

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – To capacitate beneficiaries on proper packaging and labeling, the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 in Northern Mindanao, through its Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) in Lanao del Norte, recently concluded a series of Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) training sessions in the eight SAAD-covered municipalities of the province.

The training brought together local Fisherfolk Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) from the Municipalities of Linamon, Magsaysay, Poona Piagapo, Tagoloan, Matungao, Tangcal, Munai, and Balo-I–equipping them with practical knowledge and skills in product marketing, packaging, and labeling to strengthen their fishery-based livelihood projects.

The activity also formed part of the SAAD Program’s marketing plan, aimed at enhancing participants’ entrepreneurial skills, particularly in attracting potential customers to purchase their products.

During the training, participants underwent lectures and hands-on sessions on product design and packaging to ensure compliance with applicable food safety standards and labeling requirements for product registration and enhanced market competitiveness. Each session also emphasized the importance of appealing presentation and branding as tools to extend product shelf life and increase consumer trust.

Meanwhile, Rotchel Atay, a member of the Magsaysay Farmers and Fisherfolk Agriculture Cooperative, expressed her appreciation of the training:

“Kini nga training nakapahimo namo nga masabtan ang kahinungdanon sa packaging ug labeling, ilabi na sa pagpalambo sa kalidad ug pagtan-aw sa among produkto aron mas makadani ug masaligan sa merkado,” she said.
(This training helped us understand the importance of packaging and labeling, especially in improving the quality and presentation of our products so they can attract more customers and gain market trust.)

The training also encouraged participants to engage in interactive discussions tailored to the specific needs and capacities of each community, which they welcomed positively while appreciating its relevance to their existing livelihood projects.

The activity culminated with BFAR-SAAD Phase 2 reaffirming its commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth for small-scale fisherfolk. Through capacity-building initiatives and enterprise development support, the program aims to build a resilient, self-reliant, and competitive fisheries sector in Lanao del Norte.