The Local Government of Valenzuela City continues its objective in developing the Tagalag Fishing Village into an eco-tourism zone by conducting a Tourism Livelihood Training for the residents of Barangay Tagalag and Barangay Bisig through the assistance and support of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), September 15.

We may recall that the Local Government of Valenzuela City has been making numerous efforts in developing the Tagalag Fishing Village and transforming it into a tourist-enticing place. One of these initiatives was a livelihood training for small-medium vendors and fisherfolks facilitated by the Department of Tourism (DOT). It was part of the city’s drive to promote tourism and to conduct continuous livelihood trainings.

Recently, BFAR – NCR led an initiative and facilitated a Tourism Livelihood training that benefited about 20 residents from Tagalag. This Livelihood Program is in line with the objectives of the City Government of Valenzuela to provide income-generating jobs and guide them to start running their businesses regardless of the size. It is also part of the local government’s desire to make Valenzuela City more livable.

Participants learned about fish meat processing. Ms. Escolastica Dinapo, the representative/trainer from BFAR, taught them the step-by-step process, as well as, the correct measurements of the ingredients that are needed in making perfect and delicious fish balls and kikiams.

Estrellita Fortunato, 62, one of the participants said that these types of livelihood programs help the micro-business owners like her. Knowledge they acquired from the training will be used for future investment opportunities. She also shared the nitty-gritty of what she’s learned from the program and how it might help her big time.

“Nadagdagan ang kaalaman ko lalo na kung paano patatagalin ang pagkain at kung ano pang ibang bagay ang maaring pagkakitaan,” Fortunato said. [My knowledge has increased, especially on how to preserve food and what other things I can make money from]

Barangay Tagalag is geographic surrounded by water. In order to make their untapped resources more beneficial, the local government of Valenzuela City came up with an initiative of rebuilding the fisheries heritage of the barangay. The Tagalag Fishing Village is a community and an initiative which was awarded with Galing Pook for innovation in good local governance. It promotes tourism and developes the local economy of the barangay and the neighboring communities through traditional activities in the area, such as fishing and inventive means in re-establishing the identity of the barangay as a fishing village in a modern city.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jonathan Balsamo, Head of the Cultural and Tourism Office, advised the participants to also share the program to their acquaintances so that they may also benefit from the training. The second part of the livelihood training will resume in October.

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