Al Jun Magamano

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte — Showing its continued commitment to strengthening the Province’s fisheries sector, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Provincial Fisheries Office in Lanao del Norte, distributed 500,000 tilapia fingerlings to fish farmers across the Province on July 1, 2025, during  celebration of the 66th Araw ng Lanao del Norte held at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) Agora Complex.

The official distribution was spearheaded by BFAR-10 Regional Director Edward B. Yasay, together with Provincial Fisheries Officer Jerose G. Acut. The initiative is part of BFAR-10’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable fish culture, increase food security, and improve the socio-economic well-being of fisherfolk and fish  farmers.

The 500,000 tilapia fingerlings were sourced out from key production centers of BFAR – 10—the Northern Mindanao Brackishwater Aquaculture Development and Training Center (NMBADTC) in Lala, Lanao del Norte, and the Kisolon Freshwater Fish Production and Regional Training Center (KFFPRTC) in Sumilao, Bukidnon. These will be dispersed in the communal fishponds,small water impounding systems, and backyard aquaculture sites throughout the Province.

According to PFO Acut, the activity serves as both a symbolic and strategic intervention, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to fisheries development and the resilience of rural communities.

“Kini nga inisyatibo dili lang usa ka selebrasyon sa anibersaryo sa lalawigan—kung dili usa kini ka padayong pagpanghimatuud sa among commitment sa pagpalig-on sa sektor sa pangisdaan, paghatag ug gahum sa mga mananagat, ug pagsiguro sa malungtarong suplay sa isda sa mga komunidad sa Lanao del Norte,” he said.

 (This initiative is not merely a celebration of the province’s anniversary—it is a continued affirmation of our commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector, empowering fisherfolk, and ensuring a sustainable supply of fish in the communities of Lanao del Norte.) 

The activity was held in partnership with the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte (PGLDN) through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), and was participated in by local officials, community leaders, and key stakeholders. Beneficiaries from different municipalities—including fish farmers from Kapatagan, Tagoloan, Lala, Bacolod, Baroy, Tubod, Kolambugan, and Salvador—expressed their appreciation, underscoring the initiative’s vital role in boosting local fish production.

Victoria Dionsay, one of the tilapia fingerling beneficiaries from the municipality of Lala, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Dako kaayo among pasalamat sa gihatag nga suporta sa BFAR ug sa atong lokal nga kagamhanan. Ang mga fingerlings nga among nadawat makatabang gyud sa among panginabuhian ug makapadayon mi sa among pagpamuhi ug isda. Kini usa ka dako nga tabang alang sa among pamilya ug komunidad. ”

 (We are very grateful for the support provided by BFAR and our local government. The fingerlings we received will truly help us in our livelihood and allow us to continue our fish farming activities. This is a big help for our families and our community.) 

The distribution of fingerlings was among several fisheries-related activities organized by BFAR-10 in line with the Province’s founding anniversary. Other key events included the Massive Hito Promotion Festival, aquaculture exhibits, and knowledge-sharing sessions covering hatchery management, pond preparation, and best practices in tilapia culture. Through these initiatives, BFAR-10 remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering inclusive growth in the fisheries sector—working to increase fish sufficiency across Northern Mindanao and provide greater livelihood opportunities for fisherfolk and fish farmers in inland and underserved communities of Lanao del Norte.