by Christine Lyn G. Viajante
Bargaining Powers
Breaking monopolies, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) through its Post-Harvest and Marketing Section (PHMS) ties up with two prolific market chain suppliers in Cagayan de Oro City in an ambition to match fresh and processed fishery products produced by its fisherfolk beneficiaries from different parts of the region.
The activity was conducted concurrently with the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program Regional Conference, a flagship event dedicated to enhancing market access for local producers and forging stronger linkages among fish producers to their commodityβs markets and the bigger global value chain.
Recognizing their tremendous buying power, two big players in the market, namely Oliver Ang of the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA), and Dominic Figueroa, general manager of GR Foods have attended the occasion expecting to draw from multiple suppliers across the region.
βTrabaho namo diri ang mangita sa pinaka-sulit nga mga fresh, even processed products nga naay dakong market potential. Considering not just the product quality itself, but also its wholesale price, retail price ug iyahang frequency of supplies, kung maka-meet ba sya sa supply and demand balance,β Oliver Ang elaborated .
[Our job here is to find fresh, even processed products that are worth the price and have great market potential. Considering not just the product quality itself, but also its wholesale price, retail price, and frequency of supplies, if the association can meet the supply and demand balance.]
Knowing the hotel and emerging bed and breakfast (BnB) landscape of Cagayan de Oro, Ang eyed a consistent supplier of fresh deboned bangus for hoteliers and gourmet bottled sardine products for restauranteurs serving quality seafood pasta recipes.
Strengthening Market Connections
Ensuring that high-quality fishery products reach consumers efficiently, the F2C2 initiative was designed to create direct supply chains by reducing intermediaries. This approach aims to give access to broader markets, provide better income for fisherfolk, and ensure consumers receive high-quality seafood products.
“Connecting our fisherfolk directly with market chains is a win-win situation. It supports our local economy, ensures sustainable fishing practices, and provides consumers with fresh, high-quality seafood,” the PHMS head, Mary Joy Tac-an, said.
Ten established fisherfolk associations had the chance to convince and market a total of 21 fresh and processed products to the market consolidators which will be distributed to supply grocery stores, restaurants, and hotels.
Marketing manager of the Holy Trinity Fisherfolk Association (HTFA) from the province of Camiguin, Raquel Simborio, had the opportunity to market their infamous dried squid and squid chicharron products.
βDako kaayo ning katabang namo mga gagmayng mananagat para dili na mi mamroblema og aha namo ipamaligya ang among mga produkto, labi na panahon sa ting-pusit. At least kung ma-successful ning market matching, naa na gyuβy klaro nga padulngan among produkto,β Simborio expressed.
[This would greatly help us, small-scale fisherfolk so that we wouldnβt have a problem finding a constant market for our products, especially during squid season. At least, if this matching will be successful, then we already know where to sell our products.]
Moreover, Cristyβs Pasalubong products from Ozamis City were also checked by the participants from the label to the taste, acknowledging that the companyβs Spicy Bangus Pastil was recognized by the recently concluded National Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Exhibition.
Platform for Progress
The F2C2 Regional Conference served as a strategic platform to strengthen this initiative from the core of the small-scale fisherfolk associations.
It brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including government agencies, fisherfolk associations, market chain suppliers, and consumers, to discuss challenges and opportunities in the fishery sector.
Their involvement underscores the potential for mutually beneficial relationships between fisherfolk and market chains. By optimizing the supply chain and reducing wastage, the initiative supports the responsible use of freshwater and marine resources, ensuring long-term viability. (CLViajante//BFAR-10)