CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10), through the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program, facilitated wider market exposure for around 40 Fisherfolk Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program during the 2nd Regional Fisheries Cluster Conference held on November 25–26, 2025, at Chali Resort and Conference Center, Cugman, this city.

Held in partnership with the SAAD Program under its Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) component, the activity provided opportunities for participating FCAs to connect with potential buyers, strengthen their enterprise operations, and consolidate products for better market visibility. The MAED component supports grassroots fisherfolk by improving product quality, enhancing value-adding initiatives, and linking community producers to stable and sustainable markets.

This year marks the first joint undertaking between F2C2 and SAAD, aligning both programs in supporting organized fisheries groups and enabling them to participate in competitive value chains for fisheries products.

As part of the event, FCAs presented a range of fisheries products that the province consolidated for a product exhibit. The showcase featured local commodities and enterprise innovations, attracting interest from stakeholders and private sector participants.

Throughout the conference, partner agencies presented their programs and services relevant to enterprise development and market linkage. These included the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and other private sector groups.

Meanwhile, during the Business-to-Business (B2B) Matching Session, it was emphasized that there are wide opportunities and accessible markets for fishery-based products; however, FCAs can fully tap these prospects only by complying with the required documents, improving packaging and production consistency, and meeting regulatory processes essential for institutional partnerships.

BFAR-10 SAAD Alternate Assistant Focal, Ibrahim R. Sanggoyod emphasized that through the complementary efforts of F2C2 and SAAD, the agency aims to help fisherfolk cooperatives bridge existing gaps in production capacity, enterprise development, and market access by providing technical support, training, and direct linkage opportunities with potential buyers.

“That is why SAAD consistently provides training, in partnership with NGAs and other competent authorities, to help you complete your documents, guide you, and make you more knowledgeable about the processes,” he reiterated.

The conference concluded with plenary sessions, open forums, and networking activities designed to enhance coordination among fisheries stakeholders and promote sustained enterprise growth across the region.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗗𝗔-𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝗔𝗔𝗗 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟮:

The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-BFAR SAAD) Program Phase 2 aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and support for poor fishing sectors. These interventions intend to complement the DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. The BFAR-SAAD strives to enhance food security and promote economic growth in targeted areas across the Philippines.