by Rollin Dave Elloren

CAMIGUIN (March 12) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2, recently conducted a monitoring activity aimed at evaluating the overall project implementation of the initiatives in the province.

The monitoring team, visited the beneficiaries from several municipalities, including the Punta Catarman Community Fishing Association (PCCFA), and the Tangaro FreshWater Fish Raiser Association (TFWFRA) in Catarman, the Sagay Inland Fish Grower Association (SIFGA) in Sagay, the Benoni Fisherfolk Association (BFA) in Mahinog, and the United Fisherfolk Organization of Cantaan (UFOC) in Guinsiliban.

According to Bopp Benjack Dacup, Aquaculturist I and SAAD Technical Support Staff, the monitoring activity was conducted to evaluate the current status of the projects and gather feedback from the beneficiaries. 

“By closely assessing each project’s performance, BFAR-10 SAAD can better align its resources and technical support to address any emerging challenges,” he said.  

Meanwhile in an interview, Mitchel June Cubelo, chair of SIFGA, emphasized how the support from the SAAD program, including the provision of essential resources like commercial feeds, fingerlings, and nets, alongside the training on tilapia culture technology, empowered them to pursue sustainable aquaculture practices.

“Pinaagi sa tabang sa BFAR-10 SAAD, nakita namo ang dakong kauswagan sa among produksyon sa isda. Ang kahibalo nga among nakuha gikan sa mga training mao’y nakatabang nga mapa arang-arang ug pagpadayon namo ang among mga operasyon sa pagpamuhi ug isda,” Cubelo said.

[With the help of BFAR-10 SAAD, we have seen significant progress in our fish production. The knowledge we gained from the training has helped improve and sustain our fish farming operations.]

On the other hand, Paulito Bana, President of PCCFA, highlighted the potential impact of the program, citing its contributions to their livelihood.

“Ang 31-footer nga Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boat nga gihatag sa SAAD dako gyud og natabang sa amoa, hilabi na sa among pagpangisda. Tungod sa iyang kadako ug kapasidad, labi na sa panahon sa pangisda, mas pabor sa amoa nga makadala og daghang isda gikan sa among kuha sa Payao,” he stressed.

[The 31-footer Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boat provided by SAAD has been a great help to us, especially in our fishing activities. Because of its size and capacity, particularly during fishing seasons, it is more favorable for us as we can bring in a larger catch from our Payao.]

This approach which includes both preparatory and operational activities, ensures efficient and effective program implementation.