by  Al Jun B. Magamano BAROY, Lanao del Norte (Nov. 21) – In its ongoing efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) in Lanao del Norte (LDN), conducted a five-day IUUF Assessment and Reduction Planning Workshop using the IUU-Fishing Index and Threat (I-FIT) Assessment Tool on November 18 to 22, this town. Fisheries Extension Workers (FEW), Task Force Bantay Dagat, and the LGU Law Enforcement Units from the 11 coastal municipalities of LDN, convened and collaborated in identifying key IUUF challenges, assessing its impact, and crafting strategies to address the growing concerns about IUUF in local waters. The session also included training on sustainable fisheries management, enforcement of legal frameworks, and community engagement techniques to equip Municipal FEWs with the tools to strengthen local capacities in addressing IUUF and promoting responsible fishing practices. Accordingly, the IUUF is a serious threat to the sustainable use of our oceans and to the livelihood of communities dependent on them. The scope ranges from unlicensed fishing, inaccurate reporting to authorities, and the use of illegal or harmful fishing methods, affecting the economy, ecology, and food security. It is aligned with the guidelines set forth in DILG Memorandum Circular 2024-116, which provides a standardized approach for LGUs to assess IUU fishing risks and develop effective mitigation strategies. PFO-LDN Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group (FPLEG) Team Leader Cheryl B. Magante emphasized I-FIT as a tool used to identify the severity of IUUF threats by analyzing geographic and economic factors, legal compliance, and enforcement capacity. “The assessment results will help identify high-risk areas and plan appropriate measures to combat IUUF,” she stated. Magante further noted that I-FIT also aids in strengthening policies and tightening enforcement efforts, especially in areas identified as IUUF hotspots. “It is an effective step toward ensuring our marine resources’ long-term sustainable use,” she added. Meanwhile, Iligan City Task Force Bantay Dagat head Eric Capitan expressed his optimism about the workshop, particularly the use of a practical tool that aligns with the guidelines of the DILG Memorandum Circular, allowing them to use the data to update their Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), Local Development Investment Program (LDIP), and Peace and Order Public Safety (POPS) plans. “This workshop is crucial for us as LGUs, as the I-FIT tool will help us make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively to combat IUU fishing and protect our marine environment,” he stressed. Further, Capitan shared that the data gathered from these pilot assessments can also be utilized by the DILG to track progress in combating IUUF as part of the Fisheries Compliance Audit (FishCA), the Peace and Order Council (POC) Audit, and potentially as a criterion for the Seal of Good Local Governance. (#AJBMagamano//PFO-LDN)

by Rollin Dave M. Elloren CATARMAN, Camiguin (Nov. 15)- The Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program phase 2 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 10 (BFAR-10)  through its Provincial Project Management Office (PPMO) of Camiguin conducted a tilapia harvest field day at barangay Tangaro, this town. Together with the members of the Tangaro Fresh-Water Fish Raiser Association (TFWFRA) a total of 670 kilos of tilapia were harvested under the program’s Community-based Tilapia Production Project. Accordingly, the project aims to promote sustainable livelihood among the local fisherfolk, which will enhance their production of tilapia under three schemes: tilanggit production (50–80 grams tilapia), mixed tilapia production (150–250 grams tilapia), and medium to large tilapia production (400–500 grams). These different types of tilapia products cater to various target markets, such as local consumers, public markets, pasalubong centers, Kadiwa sa probinsya, agri-aqua fairs and exhibits, and other buyers seeking fresh and live products of varying sizes and qualities to meet specific market demands. Expressing her satisfaction with the project, TFWFRA Chair Beneranda Labaro remarked that the initiative has significantly improved the livelihood of the association’s members by equipping them with valuable skills and resources to enhance their tilapia production. “Kami sa Tangaro Freshwater Fish Raiser Association nagpasalamat sa BFAR nga kami ang gihatagan sa maong proyekto. Kini nga proyekto amo gyud ning ipalambo kay nakita namo nga dako kaayo kini nga makatabang sa among asosasyon,” she said.[We, the Tangaro Freshwater Fish Raiser Association thank BFAR for giving us this project. We will really develop this project because we have seen how much it can benefit our association.]  Meanwhile, Catarman Municipal Agriculturist Joseph Navalez remarked that this project by BFAR has been a big help in providing income to beneficiaries, allowing them to further develop their group. “This is the result of your hard work and dedication in sustaining and improving this project. I hope you continue to build on this success and expand the impact of this project to other local communities here in this town,” he conveyed. Further, this harvest was the result of a collaborative effort between the beneficiaries, Camiguin Polytechnic State College (CPSC) – Institute of Agriculture, and the Local Government Unit of Catarman, all of whom have been involved in a community-based tilapia production project under the SAAD Program. Writer: Christine Mae R. Ladica/RDME Photo Credit: BFAR 10/PPMSO Camiguin, Province About DA-BFAR SAAD Phase 2: The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-BFAR SAAD) Program Phase 2 aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and support for poor fishing sectors. These interventions intend to complement the DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. The BFAR-SAAD strives to enhance food security and promote economic growth in targeted areas across the Philippines.

by Christine Lyn Viajante TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (Nov. 15) —  To level off and harmonize understanding of respective roles and responsibilities, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) held a successful two-day, face-to-face public consultation last November 12-13, 2024, focusing on the draft Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Multi-species Marine Legislated Hatchery in Sultan Naga Dimaporo and the Multi-species Freshwater Legislated Hatchery in Balo-i town. Through this process, BFAR-10 collected crucial feedback to ensure that the hatchery projects are effectively tailored to meet the unique needs of Sultan Naga Dimaporo and Balo-i’s communities. On the first day, representatives from the provincial and local government units (LGUs), fishery stakeholders, and sector clientele gathered at the Kalimudan Hall in the Provincial Capitol to discuss the draft IRR for the Multi-Species Marine Legislated Hatchery in Barangay Koreo, Sultan Naga Dimaporo. Legislated Hatchery (LH) focal, Lea Myr Cadapan, facilitated the discussions, ensuring attendees were well-informed about the technical and operational aspects of the hatchery projects as stipulated in the said draft IRR. The hatchery project, authorized by the 16th Congress under Republic Act (RA) 10860, aims to address the growing need for marine resources such as milkfish and pompano along with reviving the culture of tiger prawns and mud crabs to fortify aquaculture in the region. Based on the feasibility studies made upon the construction of the LH, this marine hatchery is projected to produce around 23 million fry a year. BFAR-10 Director Edward B Yasay elaborated and contributed to the said IRR with an affirming response from Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Reinario B Bihag, the province’s chairperson of the committee on agriculture and cooperatives. “Ang atung provincial government, ubos sa pagdumala ni Governor Imelda Dimaporo, adunay ginatawag nato nga ‘Vision 2040’ kung asa gihatagan kita ug prayoridad sa probinsya  sa Lanao del Norte nga mahimo kitang usa ka-sustainably developed agri-fishery and eco-cultural-sports tourism destination,” PB Bihag imparted. [Our provincial government, under the leadership of Governor Imelda Dimaporo, perceives a goal dubbed ‘Vision 2024’ where our province prioritizes initiatives towards becoming a sustainably developed agri-fishery and eco-cultural-sports tourism destination.] Together with the Provincial Agriculture Office in Lanao del Norte, Bihag revealed that they have already lobbied the budget proposal to support the continuous operation of the legislated hatcheries mentioned. Meanwhile, another consultation took place in Barangay Nangka, municipality of Balo-i focusing on the draft IRR for the Multi-Species Freshwater Legislated Hatchery and Research Center. This project, under RA 11401 as approved by the 17th Congress, aims to boost freshwater fish production such as tilapia, common carp, African catfish, and freshwater shrimp to offer new livelihood opportunities for the land-locked fisherfolk, including the neighboring province of Lanao del Sur and the city of Iligan. Further, the freshwater hatchery is projected to produce approximately seven million fry annually considering the proximity of the hatchery to Lanao lakes offered to be grown out at any fresh/brackish water ponds, pens, or cages. Stakeholders shared their insights and raised questions regarding the hatchery’s operations and role in increasing fish stock, providing employment opportunities, and creating community involvement in sustainable marine and freshwater resource management. Balo-i Municipal Mayor Hanifa Ali expressed gratitude to the BFAR-10 for its proactive role in materializing the hatchery that was once just ‘a dream’ according to the honorable. “On behalf of the good people of Balo-i, allow me to extend our thanks and gratitude to the BFAR for this project, especially to the director who has been, one way or another, responsible for the project being completed and possible,” Mayor Ali shared. Moreover, the provincial government of Lanao del Norte, with the LGUs of Sultan Naga Dimaporo and Balo-i towns, is preparing for the incoming legislated hatchery project turnover in early 2025. (CLViajante//BFAR-10)

by Rollin Dave M. Elloren LINAMON, Lanao del Norte (Nov. 12) — After months of hard work, the Linamon Farmers and Fisherfolk Agricultural Cooperative (LIFFACO) reaped the rewards by successfully harvesting over 5,409 kilograms of bangus under the Bangus Culture in Bamboo Cage Project provided by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR-10) Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II this town. The cooperative began the project in June 2024 with provisions of 12,000 pieces of bangus fingerlings stocked in a 10m x 10m floating bamboo fish cage and 500 bags of commercial fish feed from BFAR-10. After the five-month-culture period, the fingerlings reached an average harvest size of 500 grams and achieved a survival rate of 75.28% or 9,034 pieces. The freshly harvested milkfish were sold at PhP 170 per kilo in their local community and neighboring municipalities, with some fish delivered to buyers in Cagayan de Oro City and Leyte at a farmgate price of PhP 143 per kilo, resulting in a gross income of approximately PhP700-K. Meanwhile, LIFFACO Chairman, Dominador Comeda Jr, expressed his deep appreciation to BFAR for providing crucial training and support to the cooperative, which played a key role in ensuring the success of the project.  “Mapasalamaton kami sa BFAR sa kahibalo ug mga kahimanan nga ilang gihatag sa amoa. Kini nga ani usa ka resulta sa paningkamot ug dedikasyon sa among mga miyembro, ug magahatag kini og benepisyo dili lang sa among kooperatiba kundi pati na usab sa tibuok komunidad,” he said.   [We are grateful to BFAR for the knowledge and resources they have given us. This harvest is a result of the hard work and dedication of our members, which will benefit not only our cooperative but the entire community].  Comeda added that through the funds generated from this program, the cooperative hopes to expand to two fish cages that will allow them to improve productivity and further increase their income. At the same time, Linamon Municipal Agriculturist Jayson Arnoco, praised the success of the project, emphasizing the importance of such programs in providing sustainable livelihood to the community and its potential to boost the local aquaculture industry in the municipality. “This project not only demonstrates the viability of aquaculture in our area but also provides our fisherfolk with opportunities for economic growth and food security. The local government will continue to support initiatives that empower our farmers and fisherfolk,” Arnoco conveyed. Moreover, the Harvest Field Day, organized by the Provincial Fisheries Office of Lanao del Norte (LDN), provided a platform to highlight the skills and innovations of the beneficiaries in local aquaculture. During the activity, cooperative members demonstrated their proficiency in producing value-added bangus products, including deboned bangus and bangus in oil, both of which were the result of BFAR10 SAAD’s post-harvest training programs. BFAR-10 LDN SAAD Provincial Alternate Focal Person Al Jun Magamano highlighted that value-added products not only maximize income from harvests but also offer additional avenues for economic sustainability. Writer:  Al Jun B. Magamano/RDMEPhoto Credit: 𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝟭𝟬 𝗦𝗔𝗔𝗗/PPMSO Lanao del Norte About DA-BFAR SAAD Phase 2: The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-BFAR SAAD) Program Phase 2 aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and support for poor fishing sectors. These interventions intend to complement the DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. The BFAR-SAAD strives to enhance food security and promote economic growth in targeted areas across the Philippines.

by Christine Lyn Viajante MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro City (Nov. 11)  — Aimed to gather critical insights into the unique needs and proposed projects for fiscal year (FY) 2026, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Unit (PMEU), had recently concluded a series of province-wide consultations across Northern Mindanao in the past month. The initiative engaged local government units (LGUs) and fishery stakeholders in Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Camiguin to strengthen the bureau’s commitment to supporting sustainable fisheries and resource management in the region. This consultation series, beginning in Bukidnon and concluding in Camiguin, marks BFAR-10’s proactive approach to directly assessing the local fisheries sector’s challenges, prioritizing development goals, and ensuring resource allocation aligns with the pressing needs of the region’s coastal and inland fishing communities. The regional office has committed to an inclusive planning process, involving LGU representatives, fisherfolk associations, and stakeholders from capture fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Understanding Needs and Challenges Each consultation began with a situational analysis of the province’s fisheries sector, using comparative reports from both the BFAR-10 and the Philippine Authority (PSA) over the last three years. In Bukidnon, where inland fisheries are crucial to the local economy, LGU representatives highlighted the need for technical training in aquaculture practices for African catfish (hito). They asked for updates about the culture of new emerging commodities like crawfish, with enhanced support for hatchery projects throughout the landlocked province. Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental representatives discussed heightening marine resource management, focusing on reducing illegal fishing activities along the province’s coastlines and inquiries about the Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project. In Misamis Occidental, LGUs presented project proposals focused on post-harvest infrastructure to reduce fish spoilage and eliminate losses thereby improving income for small-scale shellfish and crab producers. A proposal for vigorous multi-species hatchery was also identified as one of the provincial priorities. Lanao del Norte participants highlighted the importance of addressing water quality management to ensure the long-term viability of their aquaculture farms with emphasis on tiger prawn and seaweed producers.  Finally, Camiguin, as an island province reliant on both tourism and fisheries, underscored the need for sustainable coastal resource management initiatives that will mostly be answered through the FishCoRe project. They discussed proposed coral reef conservation programs and community-based ecotourism projects that promote both environmental protection and economic growth. Charting the Course for Fiscal Year 2026 Throughout the consultations, BFAR-10 presented ongoing programs and offered technical guidance on resource management practices that could support the LGUs’ proposed projects.  PMEU head, Stephanie Tomarong, emphasized the importance of localized approaches to fisheries development. “Our province-wide consultations allow us to understand the unique conditions of each community. By listening to our LGU partners, we can tailor our programs to address specific challenges and work together by sharing our commitment to our ultimate clientele, our fisherfolk,” Tomarong underscored. The information and proposals gathered from this consultation series will play a critical role in BFAR-10’s planning and budgeting for fiscal year 2026. The bureau and LGU representatives exchanged ideas, shared successful practices, and built connections that will reinforce regional collaboration on fisheries and aquatic resource development. BFAR-10 aims to develop a comprehensive regional action plan that incorporates these inputs to prioritize projects that promote the economic stability and sustainability of Northern Mindanao’s fisheries sector. (CLViajante//BFAR-10)

by Rollin Dave M. Elloren Baybay, Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental – As they celebrate yet another milestone in their bangus farming venture, the Baybay United Fisherfolk Association (BUFA) has successfully harvested 3.1 tons of aquaculture fish under the Bangus Culture in Pond project of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region-10 (BFAR-10) Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2. On November 7, the SAAD program, through its Provincial Project Management Support Office (PPMSO) in Misamis Occidental, conducted a harvest field day to showcase the bountiful yield and highlight the positive impact of the project on the local community’s livelihood. The BUFA received support from this project in 2023, where they were provided with 10,000 bangus fingerlings for their first cropping, which resulted in a harvest of 2.4 tons in January, and in their second cropping cycle, they also harvested 1.3 tons from 5,000 fingerlings in June. Motivated by their previous year’s harvest results and their growing knowledge of bangus farming, BUFA took the initiative to increase the scale of their operation by deciding to culture 10,000 bangus fingerlings, instead of the original allocation of 7,000 pieces, for their third cropping cycle. To support this expansion, BUFA was granted 10,000 bangus fingerlings and 137 sacks of commercial feed to boost production, enhance sustainability, and further strengthen their bangus farming operations. Additionally, the association committed to cover the additional expenses, particularly the cost of feed, through their existing income, which demonstrates their commitment to self-sufficiency and maximizing the impact of SAAD’s resources. Of the total 3.1 tons of bangus harvested, 2,548 kilos were sold to Mr. Joel Braza, owner JOBRA fish farm, a fish trader who delivers the fresh bangus to Bacolod City, while 552 kilos were sold locally, generating an estimated income of P313,942.00. Looking ahead, the association plans to reinvest the income from the harvest into their 4th cropping cycle, while also allocating funds to support the growth and sustainability of the association’s operations and initiatives. This year’s harvest reflects the positive outcomes of their decision, as it provides substantial support to the members’ income and reinforces the sustainable livelihood goals of the program. Moreover, the continued support from the SAAD Phase 2 Program highlights BFAR-10’s commitment to rural development through partnerships that promote economic independence and environmental stewardship. Writer: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘀/𝗥𝗗𝗠𝗘 Photo Credit: 𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝟭𝟬 /𝗣𝗣𝗠𝗦𝗢 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 About DA-BFAR SAAD Phase 2: The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-BFAR SAAD) Program Phase 2 aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and support for poor fishing sectors. These interventions intend to complement the DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. The BFAR-SAAD strives to enhance food security and promote economic growth in targeted areas across the Philippines.