TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 8 (Eastern Visayas) is stepping up its support to enhance the economic potential of coastal and marine biodiversity in the region as part of its blue economy initiatives.
Being one of the regions in the Visayas Islands that is heavily reliant on the ocean for sustenance and economic prosperity, the department prioritizes implementing initiatives and programs that focus on fisheries, marine transportation, aquaculture, island communities, and tourism, Marilyn Radam, DOST assistant regional director for technical operations, said in an interview Friday, March 28.
Radam said they have already crafted a proposal, in coordination with Central Visayas, Western Visayas, and Negros Island Region, to strengthen efforts for the blue economy in central Philippines.
Among the DOST-supported projects are the sea ranching projects in Southern Leyte, the maintenance of Samar’s safe water system, and other naturally thriving species, seaweeds, and fishery resources.
She said they are taking action on the decreasing production of seaweeds in the region, following a report on poor production in Bato, Leyte, home of the region’s major seaweed farm.
“Data showed that seaweed production in Leyte has been dwindling. The DOST, in coordination with BFAR, deployed national scientists for us to be provided with necessary actions,” she said.
In addition, the DOST identified other economically significant species of fishery resources found in the Visayan Sea and is also looking into other priority commodities in the region where technology could be applied to improve production, she added.
Last year, the DOST allocated P2 million for a shipyard in Albuera, Leyte, converting ship waste to something “usable.” It is expected to be operational by the end of this year or next year.
The DOST initiatives under the Blue Economy Program are coordinated with the local government units, state universities and colleges research offices, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.
Its blue economy program focuses on the sustainable management and use of natural and other resources in the maritime sector for economic growth and improved livelihoods.
(With reports from Christian Dave Noseñas, OJT/PNA)
