By Marilou Cenas

SINACABAN, Misamis Occidental – In pursuit of a sustainable Bangus farming enterprise, the Cagay-anon SAAD Fisherfolk Organization (CASAFO) marked another positive milestone in its Bangus (milkfish) in Bamboo Cage Project under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II, achieving a total harvest of 3,802 kg of market-sized Bangus on February 5, 2026, in this town.

Stocked in a 10m x 10m bamboo fish cage, the 10,000 pieces of bangus fingerlings were raised for four (4) months, utilizing approximately 400 bags of commercial feed. The fish reached an Average Body Weight (ABW) of 370 g per fish, with a mortality rate of only 10 percent.

Apart from measurable outputs, the project underscored the strong cooperation among participants. All CASAFO members actively participated in daily operations, particularly in feeding activities through a rotational feeding system that ensured equal responsibility and shared ownership of the project, resulting in favorable harvest outcomes for their Bangus.

Following the successful harvest, the produce was immediately sold to the association’s contracted buyer from Plaridel, Misamis Occidental, at an average farmgate price of Php 140 per kilogram. At this price and volume, the association is expected to generate approximately Php 532,280 in total income from the project.

Demonstrating the group’s growing confidence, unity and readiness to move towards self-reliance, CASAFO members, led by their President, Mr. Antonio D. Caylan, reaffirmed their commitment to sustain Bangus farming operations by investing their own funds for the next cropping cycle while awaiting this year’s livelihood support from the program.

As part of the program’s continuing capacity-building interventions, the association carried out a Bangus Deboning Training aimed at enhancing members’ post-harvest competencies and promoting value-adding practices. The activity strengthened their technical skills, improved product marketability, and opened additional income-generating opportunities, further supporting the program’s goal of building resilient and self-sustaining fisherfolk associations.

Further, the successful harvest highlights the impact of SAAD Phase 2 intervention in promoting cooperation, productivity, and sustainable livelihood among fisherfolk organizations.

𝘼𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝘿𝘼-𝘽𝙁𝘼𝙍 𝙎𝘼𝘼𝘿 𝙋𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙄𝙄

The DA-BFAR Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program aims to help reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities. The program supports poor fishing sectors through interventions that complement DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. Through these efforts, BFAR-SAAD continues to strengthen food security and promote inclusive economic growth in priority areas across the Philippines.