UPV inks MOU with microfinance foundation to help mussel farmers in the region

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Represented by Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, Dr. Harold M. Monteclaro and Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO) Director, Dr. Reynold D. Tan, UP Visayas signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the GRF-Hublag Microfinance Foundation, Inc. with Ms. Helen Rose Reyes and Mr. Elvin Dadivas as representative last March 28, 2023 at UPV, Iloilo City campus.

This MOU will enable the establishment of a complete and sustainable value chain for mussel to help mussel farmers in the region. This includes the hatchery, grow-out, post-harvest handling and processing, mussel value-adding, and marketing of mussel products.

UPV was expected to provide orientation and training assistance to People’s Organizations that have available mussel-related technologies from hatchery to harvesting, handling, and value-addition. Furthermore, the University will also assist the people’s organizations in marketing their produced mussel and mussel-based products.

GRF Hublag Foundation, Inc. will serve as a channel of UPV to several people’s organizations in Capiz. They will assist in organizing orientations and training to people’s organizations as well as provide assistance in technology adoption.

Joining Vice Chancellor Monteclaro and Dr. Tan were the members of the project “Product Process Optimization at Up-Scale Production and Market Planning for Low-Salt Fermented Mussel (Perna viridis) Sauce” and the TTBDO staff.

UP Visayas aims to impart relevant scientific knowledge and skills to communities as well as extend assistance in providing sustainable livelihood to the people. (Ms. Reyna Fe Quilantang, OVCRE)