Key stakeholders from the seaweed industry gathered for the 1st Regional Seaweed Summit held on May 12–13, 2026 in Butuan City, a two-day convergence aimed at strengthening collaboration and promoting sustainable seaweed development in the Caraga region.

Anchored on the theme, “Empowering Coastal Communities through a Sustainable, Holistic and Resilient Seaweed Development Towards Food Security and Future of Phyconomy,” the summit brought together distinguished resource persons, representatives from government agencies and institutions, academe, non-governmental organization, private sector groups, fisherfolk organizations and local government units from the seaweed-rich provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

The activity served as a platform to discuss current developments, opportunities, pressing challenges, and collaborative actions needed to build a more progressive and climate-resilient seaweed sector.

In her welcome remarks, chief aquaculturist Rizalinda L. Abing of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division emphasized the critical role of seaweed farming in uplifting coastal communities and ensuring long-term sustainability in the fisheries sector.

“We are gathered here with one mission: to strengthen the seaweed industry as a driver of livelihood, environmental sustainability, and economic growth for our coastal communities,” the FPSSD chief said.

Abing added that the summit discussions are expected to open new opportunities for seaweed farmers and industry stakeholders.

“This event will help us explore new opportunities, improve production practices, strengthen partnerships, and empower our seaweed farmers to become active players in the growing phyco-economy,” the chief aquaculturist said.

Regional director Omnia B. Olama, meanwhile, underscored the urgent need to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, local government units, academe, private investors, fisherfolk organizations, and development partners to restore the region’s once-thriving seaweed industry.

Despite the promising potential of seaweed farming, RD Olama revealed that Caraga has suffered a dramatic decline in production over the past decade. Regional seaweed output dropped from 10,313.22 metric tons in 2016 to only 1,440.95 metric tons in 2025 — an estimated 86 percent decrease, based on the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The regional director attributed the decline to a combination of challenges, including climate-related disturbances, disease outbreaks, market limitations, and production inefficiencies that continue to affect seaweed farming communities.

Still, RD Olama expressed optimism over the slight production increase recorded in 2025, viewing it as an early sign of recovery and renewed support for the sector.

“This gives us reason to continue working together, innovating, and investing in sustainable interventions for our seaweed farmers and coastal communities,” RD Olama emphasized.

Seaweed industry experts and practitioners shared insights on emerging technologies, sustainable production systems, market opportunities, research innovations, and policy directions that can help boost the country’s seaweed industry and improve the livelihood of coastal communities.

Serving as resource persons during the technical sessions were Dr. Michael Y. Roleda of the University of the Philippines – Marine Science Institute; renowned seaweed scientist Dr. Anicia Q. Hurtado, formerly from the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC); Engr. Marcial C. Solante Jr., vice president of the Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines; Dr. Fabio C. Ruaza Jr., dean of the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of North Eastern Mindanao State University; Wilfredo Fajardo of the Fisherfolk Cooperatives Alliance of the Philippines; Gemma C. Goliat, country manager of CODESPA; and from DA-BFAR Enhance Philippine Seaweed Development Program, Joyza R. Ecito, senior administrative assistant II, and Kenneth Harvey C. Bolandos, project assistant III, as well as regional seaweed focal Dennis Brylle Balambao and alternate focal Tristan Castaños.

Discussions throughout the summit highlighted the growing significance of seaweed farming as a driver of food security, livelihood generation, environmental sustainability, and the emerging “phyconomy” — an economy anchored on the vast economic and industrial potential of algae and seaweed-based resources.

Participants also emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships among government agencies, research institutions, development organizations, private stakeholders, and local communities to address key concerns affecting the industry, including production constraints, climate-related risks, post-harvest losses, limited market access, and the need for science-based interventions.

Organizers expressed optimism that the summit would pave the way for strengthened regional collaboration, science-based innovations, and more inclusive development initiatives that will empower coastal communities and position Caraga as a key contributor to the country’s growing seaweed industry.# (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga)