SLSU Bontoc, BFAR RFO VIII Sign MOA to Boost Sea Cucumber Ranching Initiative
Southern Leyte State University – Bontoc Campus (SLSU-BC) has formalized its partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Fisheries Office 8 (BFAR RFO 8) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on January 27, 2025, at the SLSU Main Campus.
The agreement is part of the ongoing sea cucumber ranching initiative in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology-Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST-PSTO). This initiative aims to establish a collaborative framework for research and extension efforts in marine aquatic resources.
The project focuses on assessing the feasibility of a community-based sea cucumber ranch as a potential income-generating activity for local fisherfolk. It seeks to enhance sustainable aquaculture practices and provide training and livelihood opportunities to strengthen the local fisheries sector.
“As a baseline project, the initiative will assess the growth and survival of ranched sea cucumbers, analyze their composition before and after hatchery release, and explore market opportunities to establish linkages for early adopters, ensuring economic benefits” Pascual said.
BFAR-8, through its OIC Regional Director Dominador G. Maputol, has pledged to provide training and technical assistance to SLSU-Bontoc for the successful implementation of the project. Additionally, juvenile sea cucumbers from the Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center (GMFDC) will be supplied to the campus to support ranching efforts.
“Local Government Units (LGUs) plays a vital role in establishing future zonation areas for sea cucumber ranching to promote sustainable resource management and ensure equitable access for coastal communities,” he added.
Additional assistance was provided through the provision of a vacuum sealer, a manual sealer, and a continuous band sealer for future packaging of sea cucumber and other marine products, strengthening the value chain for local producers.
This partnership marks a significant step toward sustainable aquaculture, empowering local fisherfolk with innovative solutions and ensuring the long-term viability of sea cucumber ranching in the region.
Photo credits to Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Fisheries Office 8 (BFAR RFO 8) Official Facebook Page
Read similar stories: https://southernleytestateu.edu.ph/index.php/en/menu-page-home/57-bontoc-campus-news/2749-slsu-bontoc-and-dost-psto-southern-leyte-join-forces-for-sea-cucumber-ranching-initiative.
This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goal.
