The DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), through its Training Division (TD), in collaboration with Villar Foundation Farm School (VFFS), facilitated the “FishKwela: Ligtas na Pamamaraan ng Pagtitinapa ng Isda” on seafood handling and processing on August 12, 2024 in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

The training capacitated 27 participants from Bulacan, Tarlac, and Zambales on properly handling seafood, focusing on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP). They were also taught the step-by-step process of fish smoking. Aside from lectures, the participants were also provided inputs, including aprons, knives, chopping boards, and rubber boots, following the GMP and SSOP protocol.

Technical staff from NFRDI’s Fisheries Postharvest Research and Development Division (FPHRDD) served as speakers. Romel Dollente, Science Research Specialist I, discussed the principles of fish smoking, while Jerick Jann Quiambao, also a Science Research Specialist I, explained food safety in relation to fish smoking. Meanwhile, Charlotte Ann Ramos, Science Research Specialist II, presented the implementation of GMP and SSOP for smoked fish production and led the costing exercise. Deserie Peralta, Science Research Specialist I, conducted the discussion and hands-on demonstration of the actual smoked fish processing.

Participants provided feedback on the training activity. “Positive ‘yong training na ganito. Nakikita ko kung paano mas lalong magmumura ang costing kasi nasa cost at [proceeds] kita yung improvement. Nandoon ang asenso,” said Ramiro Osorio, a participant from Bulacan.

During the opening program, Senator Cynthia Villar mentioned that fishing has long been a crucial part of the livelihood of fisherfolk. However, despite their perseverance, they continue to face challenges, particularly in extending the shelf life and maintaining the quality of their products. She added that the NFRDI’s FishKwela has been implemented to address these challenges and to equip fisherfolk with the necessary knowledge and skills for the safe processing of smoked fish.

FishKwela is an NFRDI training program that addresses the training requests of external clients. This is the fifth FishKwela session of the year. ### (Lea Mae dela Cruz)