Siblings’ seaweed venture supports Tawi-Tawi farmers

MANILA, Philippines — At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Manila-based sisters Alyssa Sahali Tan, 21, and Dayang Iman Sahali, 23, rushed home to Panglima Sugala in Tawi-Tawi to assist communities.

The siblings launched MANGAN by Iman, a social enterprise intended to change public perceptions of the region.

The concepts were grounded on inclusive development, transparency, sustainability, sociality and innovation, which the sisters learned from their college courses.

“By bringing these learnings down to the pointgrassroots, my sister and I have established a social enterprise that hoped to alleviate neighborhoods,” Alyssa said.

Mangan means “to eat” in Kapampangan and Sinama languages, while Iman – faith in Arabic – has been named after the elder sister.

Juana’s Delight Seaweed Chips, named after their maternal grandmother, is their first product. Sourced from domestic farmers in Barangay Tongbangkaw, the harvest is processed by a team of mothers-housewives.

Once done, the final product is brought to the Zamboanga City headquarters for marketing and distribution.

“We want to equip our farmers with the right tools, so they can further their livelihood through sustainable means,” Alyssa said, adding that the program exemplifies women economic empowerment.

Dayang is an Accountancy and Philosophy student of De La Salle University while Alyssa is a student of De La Salle College of St. Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance.