MEDINA, Misamis Oriental – In line with its commitment to strengthen the livelihood of coastal communities and promote sustainable aquaculture, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10) turned over a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Milkfish (Bangus) Culture in Cage Project worth P1.3 million to the Federation of Medina Fisherfolks Association (FMFA) on July 16, 2026, in Barangay Portulin, this town.

BFAR-10 Regional Director Edward B. Yasay together with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Medina, led by Mayor Marianne L. Chan, RN, handed over the certificate of turnover to FMFA Chairperson, Niño C. Domaluan.

Funded under BFAR-10’s Aquaculture Subprogram, the Bangus in cage project aims to improve the income and productivity of organized fisherfolk by providing modern and resilient aquaculture facilities and support inputs that will enhance milkfish production in the municipality.

The project package, valued at ₱1,365,813.80, includes a 10m X 10m HDPE fish cage, 10,000 bangus fingerlings, 300 bags of commercial feeds good for one cropping cycle, 26 HDPE cooler boxes, and a 14 footer Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boats equipped with 6.5-horsepower marine engine and complete underwater fittings. 

According to Dir. Yasay, the project represents the government’s investment in providing an additional source of livelihood for fisherfolk, improving their quality of life, and promoting not only the welfare of individual fisherfolk and their families but also the overall development of the people and the community of Medina. 

“Kining atong proyekto nga gihatag sa gobyerno nagtumong sa paghatag og dugang nga panginabuhian alang sa atong mga mananagat. Kini usab nagtinguha sa pagpalambo sa ilang kalidad sa kinabuhi, dili lamang sa matag mananagat ug sa ilang panimalay, kondili usab sa kinatibuk-ang kalamboan sa katawhan ug sa tibuok komunidad sa Medina,” He said. 

Yasay further called on the fisherfolk, together with the LGUf Medina and barangay officials, to become active partners in protecting, conserving, and sustainably managing the municipality’s marine resources. 

Meanwhile, Mayor Chan expressed the municipality’s appreciation to BFAR for addressing the needs of local fisherfolk through the project. She emphasized the importance of sustaining the initiative to maximize its long-term benefits and expressed hope that the bureau would continue bringing more fisheries and livelihood programs to the Municipality of Medina. 

“Mapasalamaton mi pag-ayo sa BFAR sa paghatag ug pagtagad sa request sa among mga mananagat, ang ato nalang dani nga magmalahutayon ang programa, nga unta kani dili masayang, ug dili malugda ang BFAR sa paghatag ug dugang pa nga mga programa sa Lungsod sa Medina,” Mayor Chan expressed.

Further, the FMFA, a DOLE-registered association with 27 members, accepted the project with gratitude and pledged to properly manage and sustain the intervention. The association also committed to maximizing the assistance provided through the responsible operation and maintenance of the facilities. 

With the commencement of bangus culture this month, the beneficiaries are expected to harvest market-size milkfish in four to five months, coinciding with the December holiday season when demand and market prices are traditionally higher. 

Also present during the activity were Medina Vice Mayor Paulo B. Magallanes; Arnold J. Amper, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries; Frederick Docdoc, Municipal Agriculturist; Mary Joy A. Tac-an, Officer-in-Charge of the BFAR Provincial Fisheries Office in Misamis Oriental; Ibrahim R. Sanggoyod, Alternate Officer-in-Charge of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division (FPSSD); and other BFAR personnel. #(𝙑𝙁𝙍𝙤𝙨𝙤𝙨)