By Rollin Dave M. Elloren Twenty-one fisherfolk members of the Mantangale Lapinig Bauk-bauk San Alonzo (MaLaBaSa) Fisherfolk Association (FA) here in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, who previously relied on capture fisheries and seaweed farming, shifted from these traditional means of livelihood to build a more sustainable future through aquaculture. Through the Bangus in Bamboo Cage Project under the Special Area for Agriculture and Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), the group is provided and equipped with modern fish farming techniques aimed at boosting the community’s economic growth and environmental stewardship. Facing the Fear For many members of the association, transitioning from traditional capture fisheries to aquaculture was a challenging step. In their community, fishing is done the same way, passed down through generations. At first, the uncertainty of aquaculture—new cages, new techniques, and an unfamiliar way of raising fish—brought skepticism and doubts. However, in their effort to adapt with the times, Teresita Gepanao, president of MaLaBaSa FA, expressed optimism about the project, saying, “Kini ang unang higayon sa among lugar nga mag-alima og bangus sulod sa bamboo cages. Wala kami kasiguro sa sinugdanan, apan ang giya gikan sa BFAR-SAAD ug ang pagsalig nga among gipahigayon sa usag-usa mao ang nagdala kanamo dinhi.”[This is the first time in our area that we are raising milkfish in bamboo cages. We were initially unsure, but the guidance and support provided by BFAR-SAAD, along with the trust we built among ourselves, brought us to this point.] Despite the challenges and doubts, the members realized that aquaculture offers not only a sustainable livelihood but also an opportunity to strengthen community ties and ensure a steady source of income for their members. Embracing the Change Demonstrating a strong desire to improve their livelihood, the association became one of the beneficiaries of the SAAD Phase 2 program in 2023, receiving two units of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boats with 15-horsepower marine engines, complete with underwater fittings, fishing paraphernalia, and two units of the Payao, as livelihood projects. Last year, the association was granted a 100-square-meter bamboo fish cage worth ₱565,000, with 7,700 pieces of bangus fingerlings and 280 sacks of commercial fish feed, marking the beginning of their aquaculture journey under SAAD’s guidance. The Plot Twist Manolito Pajaron, the association’s Public Information Officer (PIO), realized the process was not as difficult as they initially feared. He recalls, “Sa sinugdanan, nabalaka gyud mi kung unsaon pag-set up sa mga cage ug unsa kaha ang pamaagi sa pag-atiman sa mga isda. Apan ang mga training nga gipahigayon sa BFAR-SAAD dako gyud ug tabang aron masabtan namo ang proseso.”[At first, we were so worried about how to install and set up the cage, and what it would be like to grow the fish in the cage; but the training sessions from BFAR-SAAD helped us understand the entire process.] The Bangus in Bamboo Cage Project began in August 2024, with SAAD’s fisheries technology trainers providing comprehensive training and materials to help the association adopt aquaculture techniques. The members received hands-on technical guidance in constructing and maintaining bamboo fish cages, feeding protocols, and monitoring fish health to ensure optimal yields. The association was grateful to see the outcome of their dedication and hard work, as the cage was built with a strong foundation to sustain the desired environment for the fish to thrive. “Nalipay kami sa dihang nakita namo ang cage, ug sa among huna-huna, klaro na kaayo nga magmalampuson kini. Sa pagdako sa mga isda, gakakita napud namo ang mga resulta sa among kahago,” Pajaron said. [We were happy when we first saw the cage, and we perceived that the project was going to work and succeed. As the fish grew, we began to see the results of our hard work.] Bluer Pastures After four months of proper culture, the group harvested a total of 2,325 kilograms of bangus, with an average body weight of 361 grams per fish. The harvest was considered a huge success, exceeding their expectations, and demonstrating that their hard work, patience, and the knowledge gained from training truly paid off, setting the stage for a sustainable future in aquaculture. The association then sold their harvest to a local buyer, who would deliver the produce to Gingoog City. Their total proceeds amounted to ₱300,000, which they said they would reinvest into the project to further improve their income. A Promise Almost Fulfilled With the success of their first harvest, the MaLaBaSa Fisherfolk Association now sets its sights on even bigger goals. The group plans to expand the Bangus in Bamboo Cage Project by adding more fish pens for bangus and siganids, along with a fish dryer for preserving their catch. They also aim to diversify their operations by exploring the production of dried siganids and developing other aquaculture-related ventures. Additionally, the group is exploring ways to promote tourism by creating a floating restaurant using the fish cages and pens as the centerpiece of the attraction. Gepanao further envisions empowering its community by promoting cooperativism, fostering collaboration, and ensuring sustainable economic growth for all members. “Pag-abot sa lima ka tuig, gilauman namo nga mahimong cooperative ang among association aron ang mga mananagat adunay access sa puhunan para sa ilang panginabuhian,” she said.[In five years, we hope that our association will become a cooperative so that fishermen can apply to access capital for their livelihood.] The journey of the MaLaBaSa Fisherfolk Association is a tale of transformation, growth, and hope. What began as a leap of faith into the unfamiliar world of aquaculture has turned into a promising future. For the fisherfolk of Balingoan, this harvest is just the beginning. Through hard work, dedication, and the support of BFAR-10 and the SAAD Program, they have not only embraced change—they have become pioneers of a sustainable future for their community. Writer: 𝗥ollin Dave M. Elloren Photo Credit: 𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝟭𝟬 /R𝗣𝗠𝗦𝗢  About DA-BFAR SAAD Phase 2: The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Special Area for Agricultural Development continue reading : 𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒: 𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝟐 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

by Christine Lyn G. Viajante TALISAYAN, Misamis Oriental (Jan. 16) – Towards reviving the livelihoods of shear line-affected fisherfolk in the province, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) distributed 383 units of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boats and fishing paraphernalia here, today. Beneficiaries from Gingoog City and the municipalities of Talisayan, Magsaysay, and Medina, each received a 27-footer FRP boat that they themselves constructed and modeled from the trainings implemented under the F/B Pagbabago “Bangka ko, Gawa ko’ Livelihood and Development Program. Each unit is complete with a 16-horsepower marine engine, fishing paraphernalia, and protective gear, providing the fisherfolk with enhanced tools and ensuring that the affected communities have the necessary resources to recover and thrive. Misami Oriental 1st Congressional District Representative Christian S Unabia thanked the bureau for the “Bangka ko, Gawa ko” initiative which gave the beneficiaries additional skills in boat craftsmanship and inculcated value and meaningfulness of the efforts they poured to complete their vessels. “Nadunggan nako nga inyuha g’yud ning (project) gipaningkamutan. Kabalo ko nyuha ning ampingan kay naa mo’y gihaguan ani nga bangka kumpara sa uban ‘grant’ nga gihatag sa inyo. Inyuhang mga singot, inyong sakripisyo naa ani,” Unabia underscored. [I’ve heard that you’ve all worked hard for this (project). I know that you will all take good care of these because you’ve tirelessly worked for this boat compared to other grants given to you. Your sweat, your sacrifices were poured into this.] The project valued at PhP 26.8 million aimed to uplift the local fishing communities in Misamis Oriental devastated by harsh weather conditions on Christmas Eve in 2022, which destroyed hundreds of fishing vessels in the region. Gingoog City received the largest allocation with 280 units, followed by Talisayan with 79 units, Magsaysay with 21 units, and Medina with 3 units. BFAR-10 Director Edward B Yasay wished the recipients of the projects a bountiful catch. Further, he encouraged them to follow fishery laws and ordinances to ensure the sustainability of the industry. “Hangyo lang sa among buhatan nga makigihi-usa kamo sa atong local nga pangagamhanan ug mga law enforcement agencies sa pag-amping ug pag-amuma sa mga bahandi sa atung kadagatan,” Yasay emphasized. [Our only request is for all of you to unite with your local government and law enforcement in caring for and uplifting the resources of our sea.] The director also highlighted the hands-on collaboration of Misamis Oriental Governor Peter M Unabia, who actively facilitated the fast-tracking of the implementation of the said project during its proposal stage at the national scene. Furthermore, Talisayan Fisherfolk Federated President, Lito M Simene expressed profound gratitude to the bureau. “Dako kaayung namong pasalamat sa BFAR kay kini nga klase sa panagat karon kay talagsaon ra g’yud ni. Usa kami sa mga swerteng nakadawat niini mao nang sangko sa langit ang among kalipay,” Simene shared. [A big thank you to BFAR because of this once-in-a-lifetime catch. We’re one of the lucky fishers who received this that’s why our happiness is immeasurable]. (CLViajante//BFAR10)

by Villaflora M. Rosos ALUBIJID, Misamis Oriental (Jan. 15, 2025) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) through its Provincial Fisheries Office of Misamis Oriental (PFO-MisOr), in coordination with the Office of Agricultural Services, conducted the Harvest Field Day of the Tilapia Culture in Pond Technology Demonstration Project last Wednesday, January 15.  The project aims to provide sustainable income opportunities for the Tula Farmers Association (TFA), enhance aquaculture practices, and promote food security through improved tilapia production technologies. With BFAR-10’s support, the initiative included 1,500 pcs. of tilapia fingerlings, a feed supply good for one cropping period, and hands-on training on constructing, operating, and maintaining the 500-square-meter fishpond. As a result of its 125-day culture period, the harvest yielded a total of 188 kilograms of high-quality tilapia, about five pieces a kilo, and with an estimated gross income of Php 28,200, the group plans to reinvest in the said technology and expand its pond. “Daku among pasalamat sa project sa BFAR 10 nga gihatag sa amoang grupo, dako kini ug katabang sa amoang pagpadayun ug paglambo ug nakadugang kini kahibalu sa among pagdumala sa fishpond. Plano namu na ipadayun kini nga programa gamit ang amohang halin gikan sa project,” TFA President Malou Akut expressed. (We are very grateful for the project from BFAR 10 that was given to our group, it greatly helps us in our continuation and growth and has added knowledge to our management of the fishpond. We plan to continue this program using the profits from the project.) Further, Eliza T Mataquel, District Fishery Technician of PFO-MisOr, conducted a value-adding demonstration on making “tilanggit”, a dried and salted tilapia, and “lamayo”, a marinated tilapia. The post-harvest activity highlighted ways to extend the shelf-life of tilapia, diversify products, and create additional income opportunities for the association. The event showcased the successful collaboration between government agencies, local stakeholders, and fisherfolk, emphasizing innovative aquaculture practices toward economic development and food security. (VMRosos//PFOMisOr)

by John Michael Murillo MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (Jan. 16)- The Miglamin Farmers Irrigators Association (MFIA) celebrated a successful Tilapia Harvest Field Day for the Tilapia Culture in Fish Cage Project under the regular program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Northern Mindanao (BFAR-10) on January 15, 2025, in this city. This initiative highlights aquaculture as an additional and sustainable source of income for the community. The tilapia harvest was completed after five months of farming in freshwater fish cages, marking the inaugural implementation of such a project in the city. Before the harvest, a short program was held at the Barangay Session Hall of Miglamin, Malaybalay City, to commemorate this milestone. Alfonsus M. Gonzaga, Aquaculturist II of the Provincial Fisheries Office in Bukidnon (PFO-Bukidnon), gave an overview of the project where the BFAR-10 provided farm inputs including fingerlings, feeds, supplies, materials for fish cage establishment, and technical assistance. Further, Gonzaga presented the project’s harvest data, which recorded 224.25 kilograms of tilapia. Messages of support and encouragement were conveyed by City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran, represented by Executive Assistant John Valmores, along with City Councilors Erwin Damasco and Cromwell Kiril Dinlayan, City Agriculturist Richard Leono, Barangay Captain Alfonso Inocando, and PFO of Bukidnon,  Gekie Sy. In response, MFIA President Remy Castañares expressed his gratitude to the city officials and BFAR-10. “Sa kanunay magapadayun unta inubanan pud lagi sa suporta sa taga BFAR, ug sa City LGU, uban City Agriculture nga unta, kami pud nga taga Barangay Miglamin kung puhon dili sab mi maglisud sa among mga panud-an kay lagi ana-a ra mi mga fishpond. So, ako manghinaot nga unta apil sab pud nga mga taga-fisheries sa barangay Miglamin magapadayun aning programa, dili ta musurrender kay lagi pagsugod paman ni sya pero ‘kong manghinaot nga magapadayun,” said Castañares. (May this program continue with the support of BFAR, the City LGU, and the City Agriculture Office. We, in Barangay Miglamin, hope that in the future food will no longer be a challenge as we now have fishponds to sustain us. I also hope that the Barangay Fisheries in Miglamin will stay committed to this program and persist, as this is just the beginning of the implementation. Let’s strive to sustain the project. The BFAR-10, through its PFO Bukidnon, reassured the group that it remains dedicated to enhancing livelihoods and promoting sustainable aquaculture as a profitable and self-reliant venture for communities. The event concluded with the sale of the harvested tilapia, generating a total sale of Php 33,637.50, which will serve as capital for future livelihood initiatives. (JMMurillo//PFOBuk)

by Kharlle G. Lapad MEDINA, Misamis Oriental (Jan. 14) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Fisheries Resource Management Section (FRMS), took part in the Coral Reef Installation activity and SCUBAsurero, an underwater clean-up drive, here today. The initiative was spearheaded by the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company – Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office (PMFC MORPPO) in line with their activity’s “MAKAKALIKASAN” core value. Thirty-four licensed scuba divers from various sectors deployed 12 units of 60-by-60 centimeter cube-shaped hollow concrete to serve as homes to various marine organisms to restore habitats, enhance biodiversity, and manage fisheries in the Duka Bay area. Together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) Gingoog City, Medina Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), the activity showcased a unified effort to restore and preserve the area’s marine ecosystem sustainability. Notably, PCOL Wilbur M. Salaguste, Provincial Director of Misamis Oriental, expressed his firm belief in the great potential of the province for marine biodiversity, especially in areas such as Balingoan, Magsaysay, and parts of Initao. “I would like to thank everyone who participated in this meaningful activity. Your dedication, your time, and efforts have made a huge impact on our mission to be ‘makakalikasan’,” Salaguste shared. By giving tangible support to marine conservation advocacies, BFAR-10 reaffirmed its commitment through future collaborations. Further, in this combined effort of government agencies, private entities, and local communities, the activity was closed by removing sacks of trash and debris found underwater. (KLAPAD//BFAR10-FRMS)

by Rollin Dave M. Elloren Misamis Occidental (Dec. 26) – In empowering local fisherfolk and providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, the Bangus Culture in Cage initiative of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II, highlights the successful aquaculture efforts of two Fisherfolk Associations (FAs) in Misamis Occidental. Through the continuous guidance and training provided by BFAR-10, the Hugpong sa mga Mananagat sa Caluya Association (HUGMACA) in Sapang Dalaga harvested a total of 3.5 tons of Bangus (Milkfish), while the Baliangao Fisherfolk Association (BaFA) in Baliangao yielded over 2.88 tons. The freshly caught milkfish were sold to local consumers and regular fish dealers, generating a gross income of P432,250 for HUGMACA and P313,680 for BaFA, significantly boosting the associations’ financial resources and supporting their ongoing livelihood initiatives. Accordingly, the project serves as an interim livelihood source, highlighting BFAR-10’s commitment to empowering local fisherfolk communities and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices. With the successful completion of this year’s first cropping harvest, these associations are set to expand their fishing operations by providing an additional bamboo cage for HUGMACA and input assistance for BaFA, aiming to achieve long-term sustainability in Misamis Occidental’s fishing industry. Further, BFAR 10-SAAD Program remains committed to supporting similar initiatives across the region, paving the way for sustainable and inclusive development in rural communities. 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.