A Seaweeds Laboratory is set to rise at the Marine Fisheries Development Station (MFDS) in the town of Masinloc, Zambales that will further boost the seaweed industry in Central Luzon.

During the groundbreaking ceremony held at the MFDS on 23 January 2026, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 3 (BFAR 3) Regional Director Wilfredo M. Cruz said that the Seaweeds Laboratory aims to provide research and technical assistance to seaweed growers.

He added that the Seaweeds Laboratory aims to boost the livelihood of residents living in coastal communities in the region.

Cruz led the ceremony along with Fisheries Production and Support Services Division (FPSSD) Chief Ralphrand Atabay, MFDS Chief and Seaweeds Focal Marlon Alejandro, Zambales Provincial Fisheries Officer Neil Encinares, and Aurora Provincial Fisheries Officer Rex Sabbaluca.

Also present were officials from the local government of Zambales, including Mr. Edwin B. Mertola as representative of Congw. Doris Maniquiz, Masinloc Mayor Haziel Lim, Bamban Barangay Captain Gina Eduad, and Mr. Sonny Balmonte of the Bamban Seaweed Grower Association.

The Philippine seaweed industry is a major contributor to fisheries, supporting over a million livelihoods, especially in Tawi-Tawi, and ranks high globally (often 4th) for producing Kappaphycus (for carrageenan) and Gracilaria (for agar).

Despite growth, it struggles with climate change (ice-ice disease), poor farming systems, unstable supply, and price volatility, leading to production dips and farmer hardship, though government roadmaps aim to improve nurseries, farmer organization, and sustainable practices.