MANILA: The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has committed PHP1.06 billion for the upcoming year's budget to enhance the Philippine seaweed industry. The initiative, under the Enhanced Philippine Seaweed Development Program (EPSDP), aims to expand seaweed farming, thereby increasing the country's aquaculture exports. According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted the potential growth in seaweed farming, with BFAR data indicating an expansion of 64,000 hectares. This expansion could potentially boost the annual output by approximately 50 percent. The initiative is also expected to generate additional employment opportunities and improve the country's foreign exchange earnings. BFAR officer-in-charge Isidro Velayo Jr. disclosed plans to allocate half of the program's budget towards acquiring essential seaweed farming equipment. The funds will also support the establishment of 109 new nurseries and the maintenance of 24 existing seaweed areas. Additionally, eight warehouses, 34 mechanical dryers, and 80 seaweed food carts are slated for construction and distribution nationwide. Velayo further stated that BFAR has earmarked PHP10 million for the purchase of two new bioreactors, which are expected to produce 4,100 metric tons of propagules. These planting materials are crucial for seaweed cultivation, covering 410 hectares of seaweed farms, with an anticipated yield of 102.5 million kilograms of fresh seaweed. This yield is valued at approximately PHP850 million, based on a price of PHP58.00 per kilogram for dry weight. The department has pinpointed key areas for seaweed farming expansion, with Tawi-Tawi offering 20,000 hectares of additional potential seaweed farms, complementing its existing 62,000 hectares of cultivated seaweed farms. Other promising areas include Southwestern Luzon with 12,736 hectares and the Zamboanga Peninsula with 16,845 hectares available for seaweed farming. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that in 2023, the country produced approximately 1.6 million metric tons of fresh seaweed. This was processed into 228,570 metric tons of seaweed products, collectively valued at PHP12.7 billion.