The Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (BSFi) program of North Eastern Mindanao State University-Lianga held its 2nd Product Expo and Pitching on Friday, May 17, 2024 at the NEMSU Brackishwater Fish Farm.

The event welcomed esteemed guests including 1st District Representative Congressman Romeo S. Momo Sr., Campus Director Mdm. Catherine F. Salomon, Dean of Forestry, Agriculture and Aquatic Sciences Dr. Clemencia Sumagaysay, Office of the Student Welfare and Development (OSWD) Head Dr. Ivy Orcullo, Department Chair Dr. Fabio Ruaza, BSFi Program Chair Henrietta Sanchez, and faculty from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (DFiMES).

In his message, Congressman Momo complimented the students and the faculty for this undertaking.

"I commend the students for their dedication and the faculty for unwavering support in nurturing these young and brilliant minds," he expressed. Mao ni ang gikinahanglan nato, ang mga estudyante na naay passion actually, to serve, to help, and to produce more," he added.

Building on his visits to other NEMSU campuses, he expressed his hope to assist the campus with the infrastructure it needs and mentioned the possibility of showcasing the research-based products at the Surigao del Sur Provincial Capitol. The expo featured a variety of innovative aquatic-themed products developed by third-year students, including the Seafood Black Pasta, Tuna Pastil, Tuna Churros, Seaweed Pasta, Scallops Dumpling, Tuna Cupcake, Tunayaki, Seaweed Tuna Shawarma, Seaweed Pizza, Tuna Chips, Tuna Viscera Siomai, and Seaweed Tea.

The fourth-year students also displayed four innovative research-based products: Seaweed Boat Tart, Dark Chocolate Tuna, Seaweed Lumpia Wrapper, and Seaweed Leche Flan.

Additionally, a pitching competition capped off the event, allowing students to showcase their products and gain valuable feedback from a distinguished panel of judges: Rhea J. Santos, Food Technologist from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Paterno Silla, Jr., and Ms. Merlyn Dela Peña, both fisheries technologist processing majors, and Prof. Amor Rojas-Salinas, Chair of the Marine Biology program.

Following the verdict, an awards ceremony recognized the outstanding products, where Seaweed Tea was declared the first place, followed by Tuna Chips in second place, while Scallops Dumpling secured third place and received the Best in Pitching award.

Meanwhile, Seaweed Tuna Shawarma and Seafood Black Pasta both received consolation prizes.

Organized by the BSFi Faculty Ms. Dian Dumbase, the event served as a testament to the commitment of the BSFi in fostering innovation and practical solutions for sustainability in the field of fisheries. | Report by Kaye Ann L. Quezada
Photos by Jeszyrus Plaza and Mike Guarino

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