Mambacayao Dako is a coastal islet administered under Barangay Lipayran of the municipality of Bantayan, located in the Doong group of islands, southwest of Bantayan Island in the Philippines. It is home to a diverse community of people who are primarily engaged in agriculture and fishing. Seaweed farming is one of the main sources of livelihood in this barangay, providing income and employment opportunities to many of its residents.

Seaweed farming in Mambacayao Dako began in the 1980s, when a group of local farmers started to cultivate ‘Eucheuma Cottonii’, particularly known as “gusô“, a type of seaweed that may vary in color (red, brown, and green) is commonly used in the production of carrageenan, a food additive and thickener. The farmers initially started with small-scale seaweed cultivation using only bamboo poles and ropes to anchor the seaweed to the sea floor. Over time, the practice evolved and became more sophisticated, with the use of nylon ropes and other materials to improve yields.

The farmers cultivate their seaweed in floating seaweed nurseries, which are made up of bamboo rafts and nets that are anchored to the sea floor. The seaweed is grown for around 45 days before it is harvested, dried, and sold to middlemen who export it to processing plants in other parts of the country.

Seaweed farming has brought significant economic benefits to Mambacayao Dako, helping to improve the standard of living of many of its residents. It has also provided employment opportunities to both men and women, with many families involved in the industry. Seaweed farming is particularly attractive to women, who are able to work from home and look after their children at the same time.