By Al Jun B. Magamano

LINAMON, Lanao del Norte – In line with its continued commitment to uplift the socio-economic conditions of municipal fishers in the region, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Provincial Project Management Support Office (PPMSO) in Lanao del Norte (LDN), awarded a P1.3-million fisheries livelihood project to the Linamon Farmers and Fisherfolk Agriculture Cooperative (LIFFACO) on July 21, 2025, at the Linamon Municipal Gymnasium.

Funded through the agency’s Calendar Year (CY) 2025 budget under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2, the intervention aims to promote environmentally-responsible in economically liable fish farming, increase 2,125 kg fish yield at 85% survival and empowering fisherfolk cooperatives to enhance their capacity to achieve its strategic goals by effectively utilizing resources.

During the turnover ceremony, BFAR-10 Provincial Fisheries Officer Jerose G. Acut formally handed over the project certificate to Linamon Municipal Mayor Procopio V. Chang and LIFFACO President Dominador Comeda, marking the official launch of the livelihood project in the municipality.

Under the Bangus Culture in High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Cage Project, the cooperative received a package consisting of a 10-meter diameter HDPE fish cage, 15,000 bangus (milkfish) fingerlings, and a complete set of commercial fish feeds (from starter to finisher)—sufficient to support a full cropping cycle.

This intervention is expected to complement and enhance the cooperative’s existing milkfish culture, which currently utilizes a 10×10-meter bamboo fish cage. With its superior durability and resistance to harsh coastal conditions, the introduction of HDPE technology is anticipated to boost production efficiency and promote long-term sustainability in fish farming within the area.

During his message,  LIFFACO President Dominador Comeda expressed his heartfelt gratitude to BFAR-10 and the local government of Linamon, emphasizing the project’s critical role in improving the cooperative’s operations and uplifting the lives of its members.

“Dako among pasalamat sa BFAR-SAAD ug sa atong lokal nga panggamhanan sa Linamon sa paghatag niini nga dakong proyekto. Kini usa ka oportunidad nga among ampingan ug palambuon aron makatabang sa among mga miyembro ug sa komunidad.” he said.

(We are grateful to BFAR-SAAD and to our local government in Linamon for providing this significant project. This is an opportunity that we will cherish and develop to benefit our members and the community.)

He also noted that the intervention reflects more than just the delivery of equipment but also signifies the trust placed in them to manage and sustain a more secure and viable future.

Meanwhile, Linamon Mayor Procopio V. Chang also expressed his appreciation to BFAR-10 for its continued support and strong partnership with the local government in advancing the municipality’s fisheries programs.

“Sukad pa sauna, kauban na nato ang BFAR alang sa pag-implementar sa programa sa fisheries sa atuang lungsod, ug ako mapasalamaton niini. Nanghinaot ko nga pinaagi sa maong programa, mas mapalambo pa ang kinabuhi sa atuang mga mananagat,” he said.

(Since the beginning, BFAR has been our partner in implementing fisheries programs in our town, and I am truly grateful. I hope that through this program, the lives of our fisherfolk will be further improved.)

PFO Acut highlighted that the turnover goes beyond simply distributing equipment. 

“We’re not just handing one piece of equipment to the fisherfolk but also we’re helping them become long-term entrepreneurs,” he said, emphasizing that with proper training and market access, rural communities can shift from subsistence living to sustainable income generation.

Now in its third year, SAAD Phase 2—under the leadership of BFAR-10 Regional Director Edward B. Yasay—continues to champion inclusive growth by empowering small-scale fisherfolk through livelihood support, community-based enterprise development, and long-term capacity building.