OPOL, Misamis Oriental — In a bid to improve fisherfolk livelihoods, increase local fish production, and promote sustainable fisheries in the region, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10) led by Regional Director Edward B. Yasay turned over P1.49-million worth of livelihood projects in Opol, Misamis Oriental, on August 17, 2026. The assistance package includes a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) cage for bangus culture, a Deep-Sea Payao project and various  fishing gears. 

Under the BFAR-10 Aquaculture Program, the Opol Dagat-Dagatan Fisherfolk Association received a livelihood package of bangus culture project using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) amounting to ₱1,365,813.80. The package includes a 10-meter-diameter double HDPE circular cage, a motorized fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) boat with a 5.5–6.5-horsepower marine gasoline engine, commercial fish feeds, 26 HDPE cooler boxes, plastic pails, weighing scales, and other equipment needed for production. 

Prior to the turnover, the association began its first production cycle on August 13, when BFAR-10 stocked 10,000 bangus fingerlings in the cage. The beneficiary group is a DOLE-registered organization with 30 active members.

Additionally, BFAR-10 allocated ₱127,665.84 under its Capture Fisheries Program to provide a Deep-Sea Payao and various fishing equipment to municipal fishers in Opol. By acting as a fish aggregation device, the Deep-Sea Payao will help fishermen find productive fishing grounds more efficiently. The complementary fishing gears will further enhance their daily operations and strengthen household income generation. 

In his message, Regional Director Edward B. Yasay emphasized that the livelihood projects aim  to provide fisherfolk with a sustainable source of income while simultaneously increasing fish production.

“We, at BFAR-10, hope that this project will help improve the livelihoods of our fisherfolk. We also remind the beneficiaries and coastal communities to work together in protecting and caring for the project and our coastal and marine resources, which are important sources of food,” Yasay said.

Yasay also urged the beneficiaries to use the assistance responsibly and comply with fisheries laws, regulations, and local ordinances. 

Meanwhile, Opol Mayor Jayfrancis Bago  expressed his gratitude to BFAR-10 for the livelihood support and challenged the beneficiaries to responsibly manage and sustain the projects for the long-term.

“We are grateful to BFAR for these livelihood interventions. This is a big opportunity for our beneficiaries, and we hope they will take good care of the projects and work together to ensure the success of the project which will provide continuous income for our fisherfolk,” Bago said.

By supporting both aquaculture and capture fisheries, BFAR-10 aims to provide fisherfolk with diverse livelihood opportunities while promoting sustainable fisheries and local food production. 

Moving forward, BFAR-10 will deliver ongoing technical support and project monitoring alongside the local government unit (LGU). This collaborative effort aims to maintain sustainable livelihoods, increase fish production, and reinforce regional food security

The turnover ceremony was also attended by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan,  Sangguniang Bayan Committee Chair on Agriculture and Fisheries Hermito Laid, OIC Provincial Fishery Officer Mary Joy A. Tac-an, representatives of the Barangay Council of Bonbon, Barangay Poblacion Captain Lann Emmanuel Cortez Jaraula, BFAR personnel, and members of the Opol Dagat-Dagatan Fisherfolk Association. (#VFRosos)