Camiguin — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10) distributed 5,000 quality bangus (milkfish) fingerlings to fisherfolk groups in Mahinog and Catarman on September 3, 2025, marking the start of this year’s livelihood projects under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2.

Each association received 2,500 fingerlings along with a complete package of fish feed for the entire cropping cycle. These fingerlings were stocked in a 10m x 10m High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) modular cage equipped with four 4m x 4m compartments, which will serve as a controlled condition for the sustainable culture of milkfish.

Under the project’s stocking strategy, each association will start with an initial batch of 2,500 fingerlings stocked in two separate compartments. After two months, another batch will be introduced into the remaining two compartments to sustain continuous production.

This staggered stocking approach ensures a steady supply of fish for both harvest and market, provides better cash flow for the fisherfolk associations, and minimizes the risks associated with harvesting all fish at once. With proper care and management, the associations are expected to achieve multiple harvests throughout the year, creating a stable and reliable source of income for their members.

During the dispersal, the SAAD team headed by Camiguin Provincial Fishery Officer Mark Alphonse A. Buniel, conducted hands-on technical training on proper acclimatization and handling techniques for bangus fingerlings. This training focused on ensuring high survival rates and equipping the associations with essential skills for effective project management.

“Training is a vital component of every SAAD project. It empowers our fisherfolk to become confident stewards of their livelihood ventures,” Buniel emphasized.

As part of its modernization and sustainability programs, BFAR-SAAD continues to lay the foundation for more productive, climate-resilient, and environmentally sustainable aquaculture initiatives, helping coastal communities secure their livelihoods while contributing to local fish production and food security.