By: Nelga Salac/RDME

LAGONGLONG, Misamis Oriental — Demonstrating the growing potential of community-based aquaculture in Northern Mindanao, the Fishermen’s Association of Kauswagan (FAK) successfully conducted a Tilapia Harvest Field Day following the culmination of a five-month culture period under the Tilapia Culture in Pond (TCiP) Project of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10), through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase 2 Program.

Cultivated in a 750 sqm freshwater fishpond, the association yielded a total of 802 kg of tilapia, with a body weight (BWT) of 235 grams. At a farmgate price of Php 130 per kilo, the group earned a Php104,260 in gross revenue—resources that will be reinvested to sustain and expand their aquaculture operations.

In his message during the activity, FAK Chairperson Juanito Pamisa expressed appreciation to BFAR-SAAD for its continued support to their community initiative.

“Daghan kaayong salamat, ilabi na sa suporta gikan sa fingerlings, feeds, mga kagamitan para sa among postharvest, ug labaw sa tanan, sa mga training nga inyong gihatag, diin daghan gyud mi’g nakat-unan,” Pamisa said, emphasizing how the training and resources helped build their capacity and improve their livelihood.

(Thank you very much, especially for the support—from the fingerlings, feeds, and equipment for the postharvest, and most of all, the training you provided, from which we truly learned a lot.)

In addition to the harvest, FAK also facilitated a tilapia lamayo processing activity aimed at extending product shelf life, improving marketability, and generating additional income opportunities for its members.

SAAD Area Coordinator Blaine Ratunil presented the project’s performance report, noting that the initial stocking of 3,750 fingerlings over a 155-day culture period resulted in a 91 percent survival rate—significantly higher than the standard of 85 percent. He also reported that the group’s earnings exceeded the Php 42,000 production cost, affirming the project’s profitability and potential for replication.

This development is part of the continuing efforts of the SAAD Program to enhance local food production, increase household income, and support inclusive rural development. By transforming small-scale livelihood interventions into sustainable community-based enterprises, the program empowers fisherfolk, promotes responsible use of aquatic resources, and contributes to local economic growth.