The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) marked another milestone in fostering sustainable industry practices with the turnover of a state-of-the-art solar drying facility to seaweed production firms in Coron, Palawan last November 20, according to a DTI news release.
The facility, developed through a collaboration with the Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA) and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), utilizes advanced greenhouse-type solar drying technology.
This innovation is poised to enhance the quality of dried seaweed, ensuring it meets the rigorous standards of both domestic and international markets.
Designed specifically for the seaweed sector, the solar dryer integrates research-based methods that demonstrate the superiority of greenhouse drying over traditional techniques.
Products dried using this technology are proven to be healthier and of higher quality, supporting the competitive positioning of Philippine seaweed in global markets.
The primary beneficiaries of this initiative are the Marcilla Seaweed Growers Association (MSGA) and the Calamianes Seaweed Marketing Cooperative (CSMC).
Beyond the facility, KIPA and KIPO have committed to providing branding support, including logo design and brand messaging, to strengthen the market presence of these organizations.
“This partnership with KIPA and KIPO, now in its fourth year, exemplifies the synergy between innovation and community development,” said MIMAROPA Regional Director Rodolfo Mariposque.
The regional director thanked the Korean government and its people for their unwavering support in promoting intellectual property protection and enhancing the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.
Mariposque also called on stakeholders to join in creating a sustainable and prosperous future for MIMAROPA’s communities.
The ceremonial turnover was graced by key figures, including Yeon Hayoung of KIPA, Doyum Kim of Shinhan A-tec, Gio Kisang of Fenomeno, MSGA Chairman Rolando Lizando, and CSMC Chairman Laurencio De Lima, alongside other stakeholders.
This project follows the success of the DTI MIMAROPA’s first solar-powered initiative—the fish processing facility in Bogtong, Busuanga—highlighting the department’s commitment to innovative, sustainable solutions that drive regional economic growth.
DTI and its partners are fostering such initiatives to position MIMAROPA as a model of resilience, sustainability, and global competitiveness in agricultural and aquaculture industries.
