PUGAW’s Seaweed Farming Story of Restoration, Resilience, and Women’s Empowerment

#StoriesInTheField | From dwindling fish catches to thriving seaweed farms, the story of PUGAW in Barangay Loyola, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur is proof that sustainable livelihoods can transform communities. 🌊 For nearly 28 years, the People’s Unite to Guide Aquamarine Wealth (PUGAW) has empowered fisherfolk families through seaweed farming—restoring marine resources, creating new sources of income, and opening opportunities for women to lead and thrive. What once started with only 40 seaweed farmers has now become a symbol of resilience, environmental stewardship, and community unity. Through sustainable aquaculture, destructive fishing practices were minimized, coastal ecosystems slowly recovered, and women found their voice as livelihood partners, processors, and entrepreneurs. Indeed, seaweed farming became a movement of hope where communities learned that protecting the sea also means securing a better future for generations to come. Watch how PUGAW turned seaweed farming into a force for environmental restoration, economic growth, and women's empowerment—proving that when communities work together, even the tides can change for the better. 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 captures the real experiences of Caraganon farmers, fisherfolk, women’s groups, youth champions, and community organizations whose lives are being transformed through sustainable fisheries initiatives. #PUGAW #SeaweedFarming #SustainableAquaculture #BlueEconomy #CoastalCommunities #Hinatuan #SurigaoDelSur #BFARCaraga #NFFM2026 #FoodHeroes #BuwanNgMagsasakaAtMangingisda