Dreaming big: Sardines production group in Misamis Oriental ready to do more
This is the bold declaration of the sardines production group led by 56-year old Elvie from Alubijid, Misamis Oriental: their processed sardines will one day be lined up in different stores and more families will be empowered through them. “Why not?” she said. They are living in a fishing community which gives them access to fresh catch. She, along with 13 other group members were properly trained on sardines production.
Diversified livelihoods and the coming together of key agencies
Elvie is a single parent who takes on various jobs to provide for her only child, Karisha. Despite her hard work, her income is still not enough. Other members of her group are mostly housewives or fish vendors.
In 2016, World Vision key government agencies and institutions to help provide an alternative source of income for the people in Alubijid. The department of science and technology, department of agriculture, the local government, Xavier University and the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) were instrumental in conducting training on food processing, manufacturing practices, feed mill development, vegetable production and hog raising.
A photo inside the production area provided by LGU
Armed with the knowledge and the start-up kit provided by World Vision, Elvie’s group started producing sardines towards the end of 2016.
Kristopherson Ogatis, WV’s program officer said that the development happening in Alubijid shows the power of partnerships among NGOs, institutions, government agencies, and the community people.
Local value chain development
“In a day, nine workers can produce 29 bottles of sardines which we sell for P80 each,” shared Elvie.
While the product has a high potential for mass production, the reality remains that without a market to sell it to, the business will die a natural death. “This is the reason why we also engage with potential buyers in the market to ensure that the value chain is completed,” said Ogatis.
To date, the community-managed savings and credit association (CoMSCA) federation gets their sardines and displays it to the cooperative store. The local government also took notice of the group’s potential and has provided a building space where they can do their production while the DOST has given them more materials for production to use. Anticipating full-blown production in the coming months, Elvie and her group are excited to grow their business and be able to provide for their children’s education.
Written by Joy Maluyo, World Vision/ September 10, 2018
World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
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