On a small island in Concepcion, Iloilo, a group of women fisherfolk is creating more than just snacks, they are building an additional source of livelihood through homemade seaweed crackers.
Members of the Sitio Lo-oc Polopiña Small Fisherfolks Association (SILOSFA) began producing the crackers to help supplement their income, which they say is often insufficient when relying solely on fishing.
“We treat this as a sideline because income from fishing alone is not enough,” said Regina Azuelo, president of SILOSFA, during an interview on the television program “Biyahe ni Drew.”
Using seaweeds harvested directly from nearby waters, the group has turned a locally abundant resource into a product now gaining attention beyond their community.
From Harvest to Crispy Snack
Making the crackers involves a long and careful process. The seaweeds are first dried under the sun before being washed several times to remove salt and impurities.
Afterward, the dried seaweeds are soaked in water for 24 hours until softened and then boiled.
Once cooked, the seaweeds are blended into a puree and combined with flour to create dough. The mixture is flattened, sliced into smaller portions, and deep-fried until crisp.
The association has also introduced different flavors, including cheese, sour cream, and barbecue, which has become their best-selling variant.
Support Helps Small Enterprise Grow
Beyond providing extra earnings, the seaweed cracker business has opened new opportunities for the women’s group, including participation in trade fairs and local product showcases.
Azuelo credited the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for helping their association through the provision of seaweed seedlings and production equipment.
The crackers also earned positive feedback from “Biyahe ni Drew” host Drew Arellano, who described the product as a tasty alternative to regular junk food after trying it himself.
