To strengthen the marketing skills, business mindset, and strategic capacity of its incubatees in establishing sustainable aquaculture enterprises, the Department of Agriculture – National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), through its AquaBiz School and Technology Business Incubation (ABS-TBI) program, conducted a hands-on and technical marketing training on December 2–3, 2025, in Butong, Taal, Batangas.

The training enabled incubatees to shift their perspective from being fish producers to becoming full-fledged aquapreneurs through intensive sessions on marketing strategies, business planning, and available government support services. Key topics included the fundamentals of marketing using the 4Ps (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion) and business growth strategies anchored on the Ansoff Matrix.

Frederick Muyot, chief of the Research and Development Section of the NFRDI–Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (NFRDI-FFRDC), speaking on behalf of OIC Myleen Magistrado, expressed his appreciation for the incubatees’ continued growth. He underscored the significance of the training in preparing them for endorsement to partner agencies upon completion of the program.

Serving as resource speakers were Mariel Toledo of the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS), who discussed the marketing plan and AMAS programs, activities, and projects; Cathleen Dela Cruz of NFRDI–Aquaculture Research and Development Division (ARDD), who presented the key components of a Business Proposal; and Romermart Aubigne Peñamora of the Alliance Building and Extension Service Provider Accreditation and Compliance Audit Section of the DA–Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), who highlighted ATI’s programs and opportunities, including training, financial assistance, and extension services.

Participants were also guided in analyzing their enterprises to identify opportunities for expansion and diversification. This was further reinforced through a hands-on business proposal writing workshop, where participants, grouped into teams, drafted and presented their own proposals, demonstrating both their newly acquired knowledge and their existing competencies in enterprise development.

In closing, Dr. Joseph Christopher Rayos, ABS-TBI program leader and ARDD chief, congratulated the incubatees for their perseverance and for reaching the final stage of the incubation program. He announced that their graduation is set for early next year and emphasized the importance of collaboration in strengthening fisherfolk communities and advancing aquapreneurship. ### (Charles Ray Tolentino and Marie Antonette Lorenzana)