TAWI-TAWI, PHILIPPINES — In the remote Municipality of Panglima Sugala, tucked away in the province of Tawi-tawi, Philippines, a profound transformation is taking place. MANGAN by IMAN, an indigenous-led and women-led social enterprise, is empowering marginalized seaweed farmers through its innovative approach to sourcing and selling food products. With its flagship product, chip snacks made from seaweeds, MANGAN by IMAN has successfully turned an underutilized resource into a sustainable business venture, providing much-needed income and hope for the indigenous communities.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, China, Indonesia, South Korea, and the Philippines are the major seaweed-producing countries globally. Seaweed farming is a rapidly growing aquaculture sector, with an annual production of about 33 billion tons valued at USD 11.8 billion.
The Philippines, specifically the island province of Tawi-Tawi under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, is a significant contributor to global seaweed production. The Philippines produces 1.3 million tons of seaweed annually, with 40% originating from this region (source: United Nations FAO and Bureau of fisheries and aquatic resources under the Philippine department of Agriculture).
However, despite the potential in seaweed production and its global usage, including fertilizers, animal feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and snacks, many farmers in the Philippines continue to struggle with poverty. The disparity between the earnings of seaweed farmers and the industries benefiting from their products raises questions about the distribution of income and opportunities within the sector.
The inspiration behind MANGAN by IMAN came from the minds of two remarkable women leaders, Dayang Sahali Tan and her sister Alyssa Sahali Tan. Recognizing the need for a sustainable solution, they established the social enterprise to uplift indigenous seaweed farmers by creating a direct market and eliminating intermediaries.
In an interview, Alyssa Sahali Tan, Co-founder of MANGAN by IMAN, shared the mission and vision behind the social enterprise. She stated, “MANGAN is committed to increasing the income of farmers by partnering with them directly. We also aim to empower rural women by providing them with employment opportunities and supporting the education of indigenous children.”
Highlighting the challenges faced by seaweed farming communities, Alyssa emphasized the issues of post-harvest losses, marketing difficulties, and exploitation by middlemen. To address these hurdles, MANGAN by IMAN employs value-adding techniques, identifies market gaps, and offers fair compensation to the farmers, lifting them out of poverty and instilling a sense of pride in their produce.
Beyond its successful seaweed chip snacks, MANGAN by IMAN is exploring additional products to increase demand for the farming communities’ harvest. Alyssa mentioned the introduction of roasted coconut bits, spicy vinegar sauce, and upcoming variants of chips made from high-value plants. By diversifying its seaweed products and celebrating the rich culinary culture of the Bangsamoro, MANGAN by IMAN aims to put the Philippines on the global map.
One key aspect of MANGAN by IMAN’s mission is to raise awareness about the importance of seaweed farming and garner support for the marginalized communities. Through collaborations with media and brands, the social enterprise is spreading the message of how seaweed farming can mitigate the effects of climate change while providing livelihood opportunities for indigenous people. Its active presence on social media platforms ensures that consumers understand the impact of their support when purchasing MANGAN products.
Alyssa also emphasized the significance of gender empowerment in MANGAN’s endeavors. By partnering with PS Enterprise, a group composed mainly of women and mothers, MANGAN by IMAN aims to combat the vulnerabilities faced by women in rural areas. Empowering women economically and honing their skills opens doors to a more equitable future and contributes to overall peace and development.
The impact of MANGAN by IMAN on the marginalized indigenous people involved in seaweed farming is tangible and profound. Not only have farmers witnessed a steady market that pays fair prices, but rural women have gained employment opportunities, supporting their families and themselves. Moreover, through the rebuilding of the Tongbangkaw Elementary School and the provision of modern supplies, MANGAN by IMAN ensures that indigenous students receive the education they deserve.
Looking ahead, MANGAN by IMAN plans to continue its transformative work in post-war-torn areas, providing livelihood and education opportunities to the marginalized communities. By promoting a culture of empowerment and celebrating the rich food biodiversity in the Bangsamoro, the team behind the brand aims to redefine the narrative of Philippine agriculture and inspire global recognition for indigenous crops.
As we navigate the challenges and limitations of the present, MANGAN by IMAN’s story serves as a powerful reminder that innovation, compassion, and collaboration can pave the way for a brighter future.
