Agri-Fishery Practices through Product Resource Management, Value Addition and Commercialization Enhancement Project of Villages in Daram, Samar

Abstract

The study revealed the prevailing conditions of agri-fishery practices and value-added production in Barangays Marupangdan and Astorga in Daram, Samar. Findings indicated that Barangay Marupangdan remained dependent on traditional crop and fish harvests with minimal post-harvest technology, no value-added processing, and limited market access, resulting in low profit margins. Overproduction of hawol-hawol (Bali Sardinella) and vegetables led to waste due to the absence of storage, processing, and market linkages. In contrast, Barangay Astorga demonstrated active value addition through products galunggong-based fish balls, significantly increasing income per unit sold. Porter’s Value Chain analysis showed that Astorga's community benefited from interventions by DTI and LGU Daram in providing equipment, packaging materials, and access to trade fairs. However, both barangays still lacked essential post-harvest facilities, ICT integration, and formal marketing strategies. Women in both communities actively participated in agri-fishery production, but their associations in Marupangdan remained unregistered, limiting support opportunities. Farmers and fisherfolk expressed willingness to adopt technology and undergo training, showing potential for scaling up productivity. The study highlighted the importance of institutional aid and local government support in capacitating communities to develop sustainable agri-fishery value chains. With targeted interventions, Marupangdan could replicate Astorga’s best practices to enhance food security, income, and community resilience.