MANTICAO, MISAMIS ORIENTAL — The Purok 3 Fisherfolk and Rescue Association (P-3 FRA) in Manticao, Misamis Oriental harvested a total of 2,610 kilograms of bangus (milkfish) during their first Bangus Harvest Field Day under the National Bangus Development Program (NBDP) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10  (BFAR-10) on November 11, 2025. 

The event offered participants a firsthand look at the outcomes of the livelihood project, which aims to fortify the local milkfish industry and improve the economic conditions of coastal fisherfolk.

The association, consisting of 34 men, is the primary beneficiary of the ₱1.2-million Bangus-in-HDPE Cage Project awarded under the NBDP. The cage was stocked with 10,000 fingerlings, which were nurtured through environmentally responsible aquaculture practices supported by BFAR’s technical guidance. After 144 days of cultivation, the association successfully harvested 2,610 kilograms of bangus, achieving an impressive Average Body Weight (ABW) of 242 grams.

The produce was sold to various local buyers, while some of the produce was transported to the Bulua Fish Landing in Cagayan de Oro City at an average buying price of ₱160 per kilogram. With the total harvest volume, the association is expected to generate an estimated ₱417,000 in sales.

Meanwhile, P-3 FRA President Erwin N. Paradero expressed optimism about the future of their enterprise saying, “Ang tanan nga kita gikan sa ani namo karon, gamiton namo para pondohan ang sunod namong cropping, aron magpadayon ug molambo pa ang among produksyon sa bangus dinhi sa among komunidad.” [All of the income from our current harvest will be used to fund our next crop, so that our bangus production in the community can continue and further grow.]

Paradero also emphasized that the income generated will help strengthen their organizational fund, support the maintenance of the cage system, and provide additional livelihood benefits to their members.

Further, officials from BFAR-10 and the LGU of Manticao commended the association’s dedication, noting that the project demonstrates how community-managed aquaculture can uplift rural households when provided with proper support, training, and resources.

The National Bangus Development Program is envisioned not only to increase domestic milkfish production, but also to build a sustainable, equitable, and resilient bangus value chain—one that contributes to national food security while empowering fisherfolk with viable livelihood opportunities. Through projects like the Bangus-in-Cage initiative in Manticao, NBDP continues to pave the way for more inclusive and community-driven fisheries development across the region.

Present during the activity are the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Manticao through its Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), personnel from the BFAR-10 Regional Office under the leadership of Regional Director Edward B. Yasay and represented by the Chief of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division (FPSSD) Vianney Anthony A. Gapuz, as well as the Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) of Misamis Oriental headed by Arlene B. Novo.