THE Our Lady of Carmel (OLC) Fishing Venture has signed an accord with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for equipment upgrades to improve the operational capabilities of the OLC as well as the increase of food resources in the region amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
DOST Regional Director Martin Wee said that stipulated in the agreement is the release of P3 million to the OLC, through DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (Setup).
Setup assists micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and identified industries to improve productivity through different technological interventions such as the acquisition of innovative and cost-effective facilities; product development; process improvement; workforce capacity empowerment; and consultancy services, among others.
Wee said the OLC will use the fund to procure one marine engine and two searchlight sonar units.
He said that the introduction of the technologies is directed at the reduction of cycle times through the elimination of laborious and traditional production processes and the replacement of outdated and frequently worn-out machinery.
Wee noted that the existing equipment in the firm’s employ suffers from high and inefficient fuel consumption, which affects the vessel’s use of sonar, resulting in poor fish detection rates, and diminished overall productivity.
He said the utilization of the new equipment is expected to greatly reduce operational costs, and at the same time, yield increased catch volumes, allowing customer and market demands to be met.
Wee added they believe that the use of the new equipment will result in the establishment of a more stabilized fish supply chain, ultimately leading to sustainable food security measures in the region and nearby areas.
At present, the OLC mainly supplies Tamban (sardines) to a major canning company in this city while scraps are sold to various fish meal plants and the occasional bularan (fish-drying firms), with choice catches such as Yellow Fin and Lapu-Lapu (Grouper) sold to fish brokers that deal in areas as far as Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Cebu. (SunStar Zamboanga)