Lucena City - Tanggol Kalikasan (TK) actively participated in the Philippine Seaweed Congress, held on November 7-8, 2024, at the Citystate Asturias Hotel in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. TK Consultant for Livelihood, Salvacion Bulatao, and Project Officer Efrelyn Escultura-Calabano represented the organization at the event, which served as a significant platform for exchanging valuable insights, presenting innovative solutions, and showcasing research findings that support the Local Economic Development (LED) framework. The Congress also underscored the vast potential of the seaweed industry as a driver of economic growth and sustainability.
Several key topics were highlighted during the congress, such as climate change adaptation, which aims to enhance the resilience of seaweed farming against climate change, providing new opportunities for the industry to thrive amid environmental challenges. Another topic is using polyculture practices in seaweed farming as a result of the research and development of Palawan State University which demonstrated the effectiveness of polyculture methods in preventing seaweed diseases. The study also included recommendations for a scientifically calibrated planting calendar, ensuring the cultivation of the right seaweed species in specific coastal areas. The congress also offered practical insights into the diverse uses of seaweed, particularly in food production, while exploring its potential applications in other industries.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the seaweed industry roadmap, in which Tanggol Kalikasan participated actively through its participation in related workshops.
In his keynote address, Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel of the Department of Agriculture emphasized the importance of increasing seaweed production to strengthen the industry. He announced a ₱1 billion allocation to fund key projects, including procurement of bio-reactors and investments in research and development. Secretary Laurel affirmed that seaweed has transformative potential, stating, "Seaweed has many transformational possibilities that can significantly enhance the livelihoods of our coastal communities."
The Philippine Seaweed Congress 2024 underscored the transformative potential of collaboration and innovation in propelling the growth of the seaweed industry.
Tanggol Kalikasan’s active involvement through the RESTORE-WPS Project highlights its unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable development and empowering coastal communities, leveraging science-driven solutions to address the sector's challenges. This engagement reinforces TK's role as a key advocate for environmental stewardship and community resilience, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for the seaweed industry.