By Mary joy Valiente

POONA PIAGAPO, Lanao del Norte — In a significant step toward strengthening local food security and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in Region 10, through its Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) of Lanao del Norte, spearheaded the successful distribution and stocking of 50,000 tilapia fingerlings in Barangay Linindingan, Poona Piagapo, Lanao del Norte.

On May 2, the Linindingan Tilapia Grower Farmers’ Association (LTGFA) joined hands with BFAR-SAAD personnel in the stocking and acclimatization of the fingerlings—an essential component of proper fish handling in aquaculture. This process ensures the survival and health of the fingerlings by allowing them to gradually adjust to their new environment. 

The active participation of the association demonstrated its deep commitment to the sustainability and long-term success of the project, which is centered on community-driven aquaculture development.

Now in its third year of implementation, the SAAD Phase 2 program continues to support LTGFA by providing critical inputs such as fingerlings, commercial fish feeds, and other technical assistance for their first aquaculture production cycle this year. The association will culture the newly stocked fingerlings for at least 4 to 5 months until they reach the desired level of maturity.

This initiative directly supports marginalized fisherfolk associations in LDN, aligning with SAAD’s core mission of enhancing rural livelihoods, ensuring food sufficiency, and promoting a thriving, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable aquaculture sector.

Ultimately, BFAR SAAD Region 10 remains committed to empowering farming and fishing families across Northern Mindanao, with a vision to make aquaculture a dependable source of food, employment, and income for generations to come.