Taytay, Palawan - National Scientist Dr. Gavino Trono, known as the Philippines’ "Father of Seaweed Farming", was tapped by Malampaya Foundation Inc. to upgrade seaweeds culture practices in North Palawan in a training held on March 17-20, 2015 for fisherfolk organisations, LGUs from western Taytay and municipality of Linapacan, Western Phils University and independent seaweed farmers.
Countless challenges face seaweed farming in North Palawan. In the training sessions, Dr. Trono shared the history, scientific knowledge and methodologies for effective culture of high-value seaweeds. A major component of the workshop was field exposure wherein set up of multiple long lines was conducted.
Seaweed farming has been practiced in many coastal areas of the Philippines in a quest to reduce pressure on coastal ecosystems and provide alternative livelihood for fishers. Dr. Trono shared that Indonesia recently overtook the Philippines as number one exporter of cultured seaweeds.
