Stakeholders of the Oyster Sauce Project in Hinigaran has came up with a short to medium term operational plan for the implementation of the community project based in Canonoy Beach Resort.

The operational was the result of the recent two-day Strategic Assessment and Planning participated by the Philippine Rural reconstruction Movement - Negros, the Federation of Small Fisherfolk Associations of Hinigaran, the local offices of the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Science and technology and the local government of Hinigaran.

The PRRM, DTI, DOST and the Hinigaran LGU, headed by Mayor Hermilo Aguilar, constitute the Project Advisory Committee.

The Oyster Sauce Project through its Twin Rivers business brand has been adjudged second during the Panaad provincial food festival last April.

PRRM-Negros conceptualized the project in collaboration with its partner fisherfolk organizations notably the Pilar Riverside Fisherfolk Associationand FESFAH, which is now managing the project. PRRM obtained a small grant from the DOST for the oyster sauce processing facility while the LGU of Hinigaran, through then Mayor Caroll Guanco, donated the lot and provided funds for the construction and initial operation of the Oyster Sauce Center.

The Office of 5th District Rep. Ignacio Arroyo also provided financial assistance for the building construction while the local DTI office provided technical assistance and trainings.

PRRM-Negros Area Manager Edwin Balajadia, main facilitator of the SAP, the project is one of the emerging social enterprise models in Negros Occidental especially in terms of local development cooperation.

"Such private and public collaboration is needed for the project to be economically viable, socially acceptable and ecologically friendly," he said.

Gerin Vergara, senior trade and industry development specialist and small-medium enterprise counselor of DTI-Negros, said the project is seen to contribute to the government's poverty alleviation program.

A significant milestone of the Oyster Sauce Project was its selection as a One Town, One Product mainstay of Hinigaran, Vergara said.*

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