Impasug-ong, Bukidnon – Completing the cycle of their Tilapia Culture in Pond (TCiP) project for 2025 under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10), the Kalha Fisherfolk Association (KaFA) recorded a total harvest of 3,280 kg of tilapia from each member’s 500-square-meter pond in the locality.

Through the Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) component of the SAAD program, 20 KaFA members started their tilapia culture on July 16, 2024, each receiving 1,500 fingerlings and 14 bags of fish feeds for one cropping cycle. After 4–7 months of culture with the Average Body Weight (ABW) of 205g, the group gradually harvested their tilapia starting December 10, 2025 until February 24, 2026.

The project generated a total harvest of 3,280.5 kg, which was sold to neighboring communities and contracted buyers at a farmgate price of Php 150 per kilogram, resulting in total sales of approximately Php 492,075.

Mr. Alvin Pantaon, one of the beneficiaries from Barangay Hagpa, harvested 210 kg of tilapia from his 500-square-meter pond. He reminisced about his childhood years when he fished just for food, but now, through the project, fishing has become a source of livelihood and a way to support his family.

“Sa dihang bata pa ko, mangisda ra gyud ko aron naay makaon. Apan karon, nakakat-on na kami og mas maayong pamaagi sa pagpadako sa tilapia. Pinaagi sa pagbansay ug hustong giya, nasayran namo ang sakto nga pag-atiman sa isda,” he said.

He added that the technical knowledge gained from the training was crucial to the project’s success, particularly in areas such as water management, feeding schedules, and proper pond maintenance.

“Dako kaayo’g tabang ang kahibalo sa fish farming. Kung limpyo ang tubig, sakto ang pagpakaon, ug maayo ang pagdumala sa fishpond, siguradong malampuson ang ani,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mai Okinlay, Impasug-ong Municipal Mayor, acknowledged the community’s dedication and the success of the project, saying “Ang matag bunga sa ilang kahago dili lang produkto sa yuta ug tubig, kundili resulta sa ilang kakugi, paglaum, ug pagtuo nga adunay mas maayong kaugmaon nga naghulat.”

Mayor Okinlay further encouraged the group to enhance their product packaging and marketing to increase the value of their products and create more income opportunities for the community.

Lastly, building on the project’s success, the group is now preparing for the upcoming cropping cycle, which will be supported by the program in the second and third quarters of the year.