Integrated energy company Semirara Mining and Power Corporation, in its continued effort to expand its livelihood programs outside of its host island, recently partnered with the Department of Energy, the local government of Caluya and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to distribute 16,000 kilos of seaweed propagules to seaweed farmers of barangays Sibato and Sibolo in the municipality of Caluya, Antique.
With a total project cost of about P450,000, each of the 80 farmers from the two barangays received 100 kilos of seaweed propagules.
Seaweed farming plays a vital role as a major source of livelihood in many of Caluya’s coastal communities. Harvesting seaweed, known locally as tambalang, generally takes place after 45 days, and the yields are either sold fresh or dried.
| PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SMPC
The sundried seaweeds, which are sold to buyers mainly from Cebu, are processed into various non-food products ranging from slippers to plastic alternatives.
Expressing his gratitude for the livelihood grant, Sibolo Barangay Captain Edwin Eguillon said, “Thank you very much to SMPC, because despite our remote location, we still benefited from these livelihood programs.”
One of the recipients from Sibato, Genalyn Gregorio Bandolin, added, “We only have a simple livelihood, and this is really a big help. We will never forget that there’s an SMPC who helped us.”
Over the past 25 years, SMPC has introduced numerous livelihood programs to communities across Semirara Island and neighboring communities, providing viable sources of income to thousands of households which continue until today.