Manila, Oct. 27 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is stepping up support for the local seaweed industry as the government seeks to strengthen the Philippines' position in the global market.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), an agency under DA, has distributed PHP34.66 million worth of deep-sea seaweed farming equipment to beneficiaries across the Zamboanga Peninsula.

This is part of the agency's intensified efforts to help the country regain its position as the global leader in seaweed production.

In a statement on Monday, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said this initiative will help the sector expand output and improve the competitiveness of the seaweed industry in the Philippines.

"We must increase se...