By Villa Flora M. Rosos

BALINGASAG, Misamis Oriental – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-10 (BFAR-10), together with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Balingasag, the Philippines Family Farmers Agriculture Fishery Forestry Cooperative Federation (AgriCOOPh), Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSU-Naawan), and local fisherfolk associations, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Community-Based Bangus Production Project in Balingasag Mariculture Park at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall on March 27, 2025, this town.

Representing the parties for the MOA signing were Balingasag Mayor Alexis Quina, and BFAR-10 Director Edward Yasay, with GIZ Fisheries Consultant Karsten Schoeder, AgriCOOP representative Lourdes Diocson, MSU-Naawan Vice-Chancellor for Research Innovation and Global Engagement Dr. Rey Capanpangan, Binitinan Fisherfolk Association President Francisco Virtudazo, Waterfall Fisherfolk Association President Porferio Itom and local officials as witnesses.

The project is part of the Agriculture Growth and Resiliency Innovations (AGRI) initiative implemented by AgriCOOPh with support from the Strengthening the Implementation of Regional and Local Peace and Development Agendas in Mindanao and the Mindanao Peace and Development Programme, funded by the German development agency GIZ.

As background, MSU-Naawan conducted the Participatory Coastal Resource and Socio-Economic Assessment in 2023, establishing its groundwork. It emphasized the importance of Good Aquaculture Practices, such as, but not limited to proper feeding and waste management, to ensure sustainable fish production while protecting marine ecosystems.

Under the agreement, the partner entities pledged to fulfill their respective roles to help ensure the project’s success, which involves the following responsibilities:

• LGU Balingasag will lead the implementation and management of bangus production, providing financial and technical support for fish cage operations and linking fisherfolk with market opportunities.
• BFAR-10 will offer technical assistance, conduct water quality assessments, and supply a total of 30,000 bangus fingerlings to the project over time.
• AgriCOOPh will provide business development support, training on climate-smart aquaculture, and two high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages with complete nets.
• MSU-Naawan will deliver training on best aquaculture practices, coastal resource management, and research on innovative mariculture techniques.
• The Binitinan and Waterfall Fisherfolk Associations will manage the fish cages, ensuring the proper application of Good Aquaculture Practices while reinvesting a portion of their earnings into future production cycles.

The initiative sets a precedent for co-management of fisheries resources, wherein fisherfolk directly participate in aquaculture development while receiving institutional support. It is expected to enhance food security and empower fisherfolk through skill development and enterprise management.

Mayor Quina expressed gratitude to the stakeholders, stating, “Thank you Agri Coop, BFAR, German Government and academe for getting involved in this very noble project, I would say noble because it is for our people, we are going to have it, we are making Balingasag a haven just because of this project.”

The event also witnessed the ceremonial stocking of 7,500 pieces of bangus (milkfish) fingerlings, marking a significant step toward sustainable aquaculture and community empowerment in the municipality. Additional fingerlings will be stocked in the coming months to maximize production and economic gains for participating fisherfolk associations.

The collaboration highlights the commitment of the involved parties in fostering a resilient and sustainable bangus industry. As the project progresses, it is expected to serve as a model for other municipalities seeking to implement community-based aquaculture programs.