Albay farmers ride on gourmet tinapa boom

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) announced Monday that an agrarian reform group in Pio Duran, Albay has successfully launched a gourmet tinapa (smoked fish) business, tapping into the town’s signature product to boost local income and pride.

The Asenso Marigondon Irrigators Association (AMIA) Inc. began producing gourmet tinapa after undergoing training under DAR’s Development of Products Project (DPP), which equips Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) with the skills to launch livelihood enterprises. AMIA is among 96 ARBOs participating in the program nationwide.

DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III praised the initiative, calling it a promising step toward economic empowerment. “It’s great to see our Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries doing well with their newfound gourmet tinapa business enterprise, a by-product of Pio Duran town’s pride — smoked fish,” Estrella said.

Albay Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Engr. Maria Eugenia M. Alteza described the move as strategic, given Pio Duran’s long-standing reputation for tinapa. “This initiative can enhance the livelihoods of AMIA members by providing them additional income opportunities and promoting the town's specialty,” she said.

“This initiative can enhance the livelihoods of AMIA members by providing them additional income opportunities and promoting the town's specialty,” Alteza said.

PARPO I Patricia T. Rastrullo encouraged the group to make the most of the opportunity: “This project is a rare opportunity. If you succeed, ‘Asenso Marigondon’ will truly live up to its name.”

AMIA president Reyan P. Sto. Tomas affirmed their commitment to the venture and expressed hope for continued support from DAR in the form of training and resources to expand their business.

Nelia Munda, a 49-year-old mother and agrarian reform beneficiary, shared her enthusiasm: “This is not just a source of income but also a real opportunity for us and our families.”

Food processing trainer Noah Lobitaña from Maonon High School in Ligao City led the training, teaching participants fish handling, safe bottling, proper sanitation, and recordkeeping.

Charlotte A. Ragas, Trade and Industry Development Specialist from the Department of Trade and Industry-Albay, emphasized the product’s market potential. She noted that gourmet tinapa has a longer shelf life than regular smoked fish and stressed the need for proper labeling and packaging to meet industry standards.