By Villaflora M. Rosos

EL SALVADOR CITY, Misamis Oriental – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Zamboanga Sibugay, Region 9 personnel led by Ms. Renela R. Pilla, Sr. Trade- Industry Development Specialist together with their Municipal Mayor, Hon. Edrel Luisa O. Caloñge recently undertook a successful benchmarking and site visitation to the Solar Ice-Making Machine (SIMM) Facility funded under BFAR-10’s regular post-harvest program and the salt production farm financed under the Development of Salt Industry Project (DSIP) in Brgy. Luyong Bonbon, Opol, and Alubijid, Misamis Oriental, respectively.

The group paid a courtesy call to Regional Direct or Edward B. Yasay, followed by a short meeting with Mayor Atty. Jayfrancis D. Bago, Municipal Agriculturist Eddie C. Maape, Jr., and Fishery Extension Worker Lorence Jamie Janubas. The benchmarking initiative aims to acquire deeper insights into operational best practices, technical aspects, and challenges in ice production to support local fisherfolk and enhance post-harvest systems.

Noel B. Opena, President of the Small Bond Fisherfolk Association (SBOFA), beneficiaries of the SIMM, personally demonstrated the operations, including production volume details meeting the local ice demand. Also included in the discussion were the challenges faced by the association in the overall management of the said facility.

In line with the mission to explore innovative cold storage solutions, the group also visited the Philippine Light and Energy Corporation in Kinasanghan, Opol, Misamis Oriental. There, the team was introduced to the Smart Solar Negative Cold Storage System – a mobile, solar-powered cold storage unit designed to preserve perishable goods at sub-zero temperatures. The innovation, founded by European engineer Hans Jongedijk, showcased the potential of Micro Energy Systems for Rural Communities.

Following this, the team proceeded to Baybay, Alubijid, to visit a salt farm assisted by BFAR-10. The members of the association were interviewed on strategies used in salt production and marketing. The inclusion of the salt farm in the itinerary emphasized the commodity as an essential component in ice-making processes.

The benchmarking to BFAR 10’s projects is part of DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) program, aiming to build a deeper understanding of viable technologies and models to strengthen local enterprises and industries in Zamboanga Sibugay.