RC San Fernando La Union conducts 25th Regular Meeting with Guest Speaker Mr. Andie Tadeo of DMMMSU Fisheries Research and Training Institute

Under the banner of service and professional growth, the Rotary Club of San Fernando (LU) Inc. (RCSFLU) successfully convened its 25th Regular Meeting for the Rotary Year 2025-2026. The gathering served as a vital platform for members to align their community projects with regional expertise, reinforcing the club's commitment to sustainable development in La Union.

The highlight of the evening was a keynote address by guest speaker Mr. Andie Tadeo, a distinguished representative from the DMMMSU (Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University) Fisheries Research and Training Institute.

During his comprehensive presentation, Mr. Tadeo shared critical insights into the current state of fisheries research and the diverse training programs offered by DMMMSU. He emphasized that the health of our aquatic resources is inextricably linked to the economic stability of our coastal towns.

The session sparked a vibrant Q&A, where Rotarians and the guest speaker explored innovative ways to bridge the gap between academic research and grassroots application. The discussion focused on how local institutions can better support the livelihoods of fishing communities through technology and modern management practices.

A primary focus of the evening’s discussion was the revival and modernization of sea salt production. Recognizing this as a high-potential livelihood initiative, Mr. Tadeo and the RCSFLU members discussed modernizing traditional salt-making methods to increase yield and purity.

Another is establishing salt production as a year-round alternative income source for fishing families during the "off-season" or during inclement weather. Finally, leveraging DMMMSU’s expertise to provide coastal residents with the technical skills needed to produce "white gold" (artisanal sea salt) that meets commercial standards.

The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, as members look forward to transforming these discussions into tangible projects that will benefit the province of La Union.