SEDP is a dynamic institution that looks for ways to enhance and improve members productivity aimed at increasing their capacity to earn, thereby directed towards improved well-being. To do this, the SEDP Enterprise Development Services is given the task to look for opportunities responsive to this call.  Last July 31, 2015, in partnership with TESDA, participated in by 33 members from different barangays in Bulan Sorsogon, a training on TINAPA MAKING (SMOKED FISH) was held at Henry’s Hall near Immaculate Concepcion Parish.

For the first part of the activity, an orientation on Tinapa Making (Smoked Fish) was given by Mrs. Susan Quinto, Trainer and Assessor in Sorsogon National Agricultural School- a TESDA Accredited School and Training Center in Sorsogon.

Mrs. Susan Quinto facilitated a “Return Demo” where each participant showed how to make smoked fish by themselves executing the steps and procedures with the help of SEDP staff.

How To

Participants brought varieties of fish ideal for making smoked fish like Bangus (Milkfish), Galunggong (Hard-tail Mackerel or Round Scad) locally known as “Sibubog”, and Tamban (Sardinella) locally known as “Law-Law.”

Members were showed how to properly clean and wash the fish, and how to make a brine solution (mixture of salt and water) where the fish were soaked for several minutes. The fish were steamed with ginger, turmeric and lemon grass for flavor, brushed with atsuete oil for coloring before sun drying and finally cooked by smoking. They were also showed how to package the product sealed with label for better selling.

The Selection

One willing member per center from the different barangays  in Bulan was chosen to participate in the activity. The selection of participants prioritized members who are in coastal areas, and whose business is fish vending.

“We prioritized the members who live in coastal areas and who are fish vendors in selecting the participants for this training, but we also encouraged other members to participate for them to have new idea in putting-up business like smoked fish making.” Maria Angelica Lacostales, Community Development Worker-Bulan Branch said.

Bulan waters is abundant in fish products, thus the training was chosen to be facilitated in the place.

“Smoked Fish Making is an ideal training here in Bulan because the place is very abundant in fish” Mrs. Susan Quinto added.

The Smoke Continues

The training lasted for almost a day, but making Tinapa will continue- this is the goal of Mrs. Nanette Mujar the Area Manager of Sorsogon in giving a Cylindrical Steel Drum that can be made into a smoke house for cooking Tinapa.

Picked in draw lots, Mrs. Leticia Furaque SEDP Member from Zone 7, Bulan Sorsogon received the drum.

“Because of this drum, I can start a new business; I will make Tinapa and do what I learned in this training” Leticia said.

“All of the members can use the drum if they will make smoked fish. Now, it will be turned-over to Mrs. Leticia’s center then afterwards, if they can provide their own smoke house, the drum will be passed on to another center.” Mrs. Mujar explained.

Participants were also encouraged to share their learning to the center where they belong thus the other members can also have ideas in putting a smoked fish business even if they didn’t attended the training.

“I’m so happy that I attended this training. We were given new idea to make smoked fish as an additional income for us. I’m also happy, because I have new ideas to share to my co-members in our center.”  Anita Estopa of Marinab, Bulan Sorsogon said.

 One participant’s story

Leticia Furaque a 43 year old SEDP Member of Zone 7, Bulan Sorsogon attended the training to learn how to make smoked fish.

“Though I have an existing business of making tamarindo (Tamarind Candy), I still want to learn how to make smoked fish, because I want have additional income to help my husband in providing the needs of our family” she said.

I her willingness to have new idea about making Tinapa, she actively participated in the training despite of her educational background.

“When I was a child, I really wanted to study. But it was a customary belief in our family that a woman should stay inside the house doing chores when she marries her husband, so it was not necessary for me to go to school.” She narrated.

“Now, little by little I am learning the basics, because I enrolled in Alternative Learning System (ALS). But today, I attended this training along with my son. He wrote down the recipe and tips for me.” She said.

“I am happy that this training was facilitated here, I will practice what I have learned here, I will make smoked fish as one of my source of income.” She added.

Leticia Furaque is the recipient of the cylindrical drum.