By Rollin Dave Elloren

LINAMON, Lanao del Norte – Members of the Linamon Farmers and Fisherfolk Agriculture Cooperative (LIFFACO) underwent a three-day Bangus processing and product development training from May 5 to 7, 2026, aimed at strengthening their livelihood capabilities and value-adding skills.

Conducted under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) through its Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) component, the training enhanced the cooperative members’ practical skills in processing Bangus or milkfish into marketable products.

The activity also aimed to provide participants with additional sources of income and improve their livelihood opportunities through value-adding initiatives.

Post-Harvest and Marketing Section (PHMS) Alternate Lea L. Bucog of the BFAR-10 Regional Office served as the resource person during the training, where she shared her expertise on bangus processing, proper food handling, product development, packaging, and marketing strategies. 

Ms. Bucog also guided the participants through hands-on demonstrations and value-adding techniques aimed at improving the quality, marketability, and income potential of Bangus-based products.

Participants were trained in preparing various processed Bangus products and were introduced to proper sanitation, storage, and presentation practices to ensure food safety and product quality. The activity also encouraged the cooperative members to explore entrepreneurship opportunities and maximize the potential of their aquaculture livelihood project.

Expressing her gratitude, LIFFACO secretary Honey Rose Bediamol said the training provided them with additional knowledge and skills that they can apply not only in their cooperative activities but also in their personal livelihoods and households.

“Dako kaayo siya’g tabang, ug dugang gyud kini nga kita para sa mga miyembro sa kooperatiba. Dugang sab kini nga kahibalo nga among magamit ug ma-apply sa among kaugalingong panimalay ug panginabuhian,” she said.

Ms. Bediamol added that the value-adding and processing training opened their minds to new opportunities, particularly in producing marketable Bangus products that may generate additional income in the future.

With this development, LIFFACO plans to further expand its enterprise by strengthening its Bangus processing initiatives and developing more marketable products that may provide better income opportunities for its members and nearby communities.

The cooperative also aims to explore wider market opportunities and establish a recognized Bangus-based product line across Region 10.

At the end of the activity, the participants successfully developed three Bangus-based products namely Bangus in Corn Oil, Marinated Bangus, and Deboned Bangus, showcasing their newly acquired skills and potential livelihood opportunities for the cooperative.

Following the processing activity, LIFFACO also commenced its Bangus cage culture operation by stocking 11,000 Bangus fingerlings in their High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) cage on May 8, 2026.
The initiative marks another milestone in the cooperative’s continuing efforts to strengthen its fisheries enterprise and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities among its members.