The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) announced on Monday, that an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) in Pio Duran, Albay is making waves in the local food industry with its new business venture: gourmet tinapa (smoked fish). This move aims to boost their income and bring new pride to the town’s well-known tinapa industry.
The Asenso Marigondon Irrigators Association (AMIA) Inc. is now producing gourmet tinapa after undergoing training under the DAR’s Development of Products Project (DPP). The project provides training to ARBOs nationwide to help them start livelihood enterprises. AMIA is one of 96 ARBOs currently participating in the program.
DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III commended the AMIA for grabbing the opportunity to improve their lives through entrepreneurship. “It’s great to see our Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) 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) Engineer Maria Eugenia M. Alteza described AMIA’s decision to venture into gourmet tinapa production as a strategic move, considering Pio Duran’s reputation for tinapa making.
“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, urged AMIA to nurture the support they received, saying: “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 the organization’s commitment to the project while expressing hope for continued support from DAR through more training and resources to help their enterprise grow.
Nelia Munda, a 49-year-old mother and ARB, shared her enthusiasm. “This is not just a source of income but also a real opportunity for us and our families,” she said.
The training was conducted by Noah Lobitaña, a food processing trainer from Maonon High School in Ligao City. He taught participants how to properly handle fish, follow safe bottling techniques, and apply good manufacturing practices to maintain the quality of food and keep them safe for consumption. He also stressed the importance of keeping accurate production records.