Davao City, April 21, 2025 — The plan to build a Seaweed Processing Plant in Tawi-Tawi is gaining traction following a high-level coordination meeting between provincial officials and the Project Support Office (PSO) Mindanao of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).
Key officials from Tawi-Tawi, including Louie Nova, Head of the Provincial Project Management and Implementing Unit (PPMIU), and Noor Mohammad Saada, Head of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), met with PSO Mindanao representatives to refine the proposal and align strategies for the project’s implementation.
The seaweed processing facility is envisioned to strengthen Tawi-Tawi’s seaweed value chain—improving production, increasing income for fisherfolk, and providing new employment opportunities in coastal areas.
Carlene C. Collado, CPA, Deputy Project Director of PSO Mindanao, underscored the importance of a solid enterprise support initiative. “The seaweed industry in Tawi-Tawi holds significant potential. We must ensure that support mechanisms are in place to empower local producers and promote sustainable development,” Collado said.
Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael I. Sali also expressed his strong backing for the project. He highlighted the province’s transition from a raw seaweed supplier to an emerging hub for seaweed processing. “This initiative is not just about processing—it’s about transforming livelihoods and building a more resilient and inclusive marine economy for our people,” Sali stated.
If realized, the facility will be a crucial step in advancing the province’s role in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as a key player in the seaweed industry.