MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro city – Aiming to achieve the program’s goals and strengthening rural development efforts in the region, the Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10’s (BFAR-10) Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 recently held its 1st quarter assessment, at the bureau’s compound, here.

In order to assess the program’s progress in each province, representatives from the region’s five Provincial Program Management Support Offices (PPMSOs) convened to discuss significant initiatives aimed at improving the program’s implementation, resolving operational issues, and enhancing livelihood opportunities for beneficiaries. 

Meanwhile, BFAR-10 SAAD Alternate Assistant Focal Person Ibrahim R. Sanggoyod welcomed the participants, noting the importance of the activity in ensuring the effective delivery of fisheries and aquaculture interventions to marginalized communities.

“I hope that through this activity, we can have meaningful discussions—not just to present our accomplishments, issues, and problems, but also to find solutions,” he said.

Sanggoyod underlined the need for cooperation across provinces as well, saying, “Whether as a province or as a PPMSO, we should never consider ourselves as being alone; instead, let’s think of ourselves as part of a team.. If one province faces a problem, we could be able to provide solutions or suggestions to help resolve it.”

Moreover, each province presented its 1st quarter accomplishments, followed by the status and updates on the SAAD Database, Public Relations and Development Communication (PRDC) targets, the Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) matrix and roll-out results, and the SAAD target setting for CY 2025-2026.

Moving forward, the review underscored the significance of increasing stakeholder involvement, assuring harmonized target setting across provinces, and improving program document management.

The SAAD Program Phase 2 seeks to empower underprivileged fishing communities, promote livelihood sustainability, and drive inclusive rural development in Northern Mindanao.

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 (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.