POONA PIAGAPO, Lanao del Norte (Feb. 10) – Out of the 20,000 tilapia fingerlings gradually stocked in a 5,000-square-meter pond, the Linindingan Tilapia Grower Farmers Association (LTGFA), in collaboration with the Special Area for Agricultural and Development (SAAD) Provincial Program Management Office (PPMO) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Lanao del Norte, recently conducted a ceremonial harvest of their cultured tilapia in this town.

From February 4 to 5, the group harvested a total of 2,017 kilograms, earning an additional P135,000 in revenue. This was followed by another harvest from February 6 to 7, yielding 420 kilograms and generating an estimated income of P43,000. In the same pond, the group previously cropped 1,878 kilograms of cultured tilapia, which they sold at P210 per kilo, resulting in earnings of P394,000 last December 2024. Additionally, 963 kilograms were gradually being sold to local buyers at a farmgate price of P120 to P150 per kilogram, totaling P144,000.

Based on collected data as of February 10, the LTGFA has harvested a total of 5,278 kilograms of tilapia, generating an estimated revenue of P716,000 from their second cropping under the Tilapia Culture in Pond (TCiP) project of the SAAD Program Phase 2.

This achievement demonstrated the positive impact of the SAAD program on small-scale fishing groups, providing them with additional livelihood opportunities alongside their traditional sources of income, such as livestock and coconut farming.

In addition to the tilapia fingerlings provided by the SAAD program, the group also received essential support, including commercial fish feeds, fish cage materials, post-harvest equipment, and other farm supplies for their aquaculture operations.

Moreover, the women members of the association underwent specialized training in tilapia processing, allowing them to produce value-added products such as “tilanggit” (small-sized tilapia processed similarly to boneless “danggit”) and “lamayo” (tilapia marinated with herbs and spices and partially sun-dried).

These capacity-building initiatives enhanced their skills in fish processing, creating new income opportunities for the association.

According to LTGFA President Cader S. Tomara, the project has had a transformative impact on their community, improving financial stability and boosting their confidence to venture into aquaculture as a viable source of income.

“Daku gyud og natabang kini nga proyekto sa among panginabuhian. Tungod sa suporta sa BFAR-10 pinaagi sa SAAD program, nakita namo nga ang aquaculture isip usa ka panglong-term nga oportunidad alang sa among komunidad,” he said.
[This project has greatly helped our livelihood. Because of BFAR-10’s support through the SAAD program, we now see aquaculture as a long-term opportunity for our community.]As part of their continuous farming cycle, the LTGFA is set to harvest the produce from its three remaining ponds between March and April this year, allowing them to prepare for their third cropping with the continued support of the BFAR-10 SAAD program

Writer: Rollin Dave M. Elloren

Photo Credit: 𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝟭𝟬 / RPMSO

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.