By Kenneth Marcos 
The steady hum of activity filled the training halls in Dagupan City as Filipino experts shared their skills with international guests, turning simple milkfish into products with higher value and wider market potential.
The Philippine government, through the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), hosted a four-day milkfish processing training for delegates from the Republic of Kiribati from March 18 to 21, 2026. The training was held at the National Fisheries Development Center in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, a known hub for bangus production in the country.
The program focused on both lectures and hands-on activities designed to improve knowledge in seafood processing and safety. Participants were trained in proper handling of fish to ensure food safety, as well as techniques such as milkfish deboning, bottling, and other value-adding processes.
Milkfish, locally known as bangus, is one of the Philippines’ most important aquaculture products. The country is among the top producers of milkfish in the world, making it a key source of livelihood for many coastal communities. Through this training, Filipino experts shared practical methods that can help increase the value of fish products and open more income opportunities.
Officials said the activity aimed not only to transfer technical knowledge but also to strengthen cooperation between the Philippines and Kiribati in the fisheries sector. By sharing best practices, both countries can improve food production, enhance product quality, and support their fishing communities.
Delegates from Kiribati actively participated in the sessions, gaining skills that they can apply in their own local fisheries industry. The hands-on approach allowed them to better understand the process of turning raw fish into ready-to-sell products, which can help reduce waste and increase profits.
The training also highlighted the importance of food safety standards in seafood processing. Proper sanitation, handling, and packaging are critical to ensuring that products are safe for consumers and can meet market requirements, especially for export.
BFAR officials emphasized that knowledge exchange plays a key role in building stronger partnerships across countries. As challenges such as climate change and food security continue to affect fisheries, cooperation and shared learning become even more important.
Dagupan City, often called the “Bangus Capital of the Philippines,” served as an ideal venue for the training. Its long history and expertise in milkfish production provided a real-world setting for participants to learn from experienced practitioners.
The successful training marks another step in strengthening international ties through agriculture and fisheries. It also shows how the Philippines continues to position itself as a leader in aquaculture knowledge in the region.
As the program concluded, both sides expressed hope for continued collaboration in the future, with more opportunities to share skills and support sustainable fisheries development.
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