By Rollin Dave M. Elloren

Twenty-one fisherfolk members of the Mantangale Lapinig Bauk-bauk San Alonzo (MaLaBaSa) Fisherfolk Association (FA) here in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, who previously relied on capture fisheries and seaweed farming, shifted from these traditional means of livelihood to build a more sustainable future through aquaculture.

Through the Bangus in Bamboo Cage Project under the Special Area for Agriculture and Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), the group is provided and equipped with modern fish farming techniques aimed at boosting the community’s economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Facing the Fear

For many members of the association, transitioning from traditional capture fisheries to aquaculture was a challenging step. In their community, fishing is done the same way, passed down through generations.

At first, the uncertainty of aquaculture—new cages, new techniques, and an unfamiliar way of raising fish—brought skepticism and doubts.

However, in their effort to adapt with the times, Teresita Gepanao, president of MaLaBaSa FA, expressed optimism about the project, saying, “Kini ang unang higayon sa among lugar nga mag-alima og bangus sulod sa bamboo cages. Wala kami kasiguro sa sinugdanan, apan ang giya gikan sa BFAR-SAAD ug ang pagsalig nga among gipahigayon sa usag-usa mao ang nagdala kanamo dinhi.”

[This is the first time in our area that we are raising milkfish in bamboo cages. We were initially unsure, but the guidance and support provided by BFAR-SAAD, along with the trust we built among ourselves, brought us to this point.]

Despite the challenges and doubts, the members realized that aquaculture offers not only a sustainable livelihood but also an opportunity to strengthen community ties and ensure a steady source of income for their members.

Embracing the Change

Demonstrating a strong desire to improve their livelihood, the association became one of the beneficiaries of the SAAD Phase 2 program in 2023, receiving two units of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boats with 15-horsepower marine engines, complete with underwater fittings, fishing paraphernalia, and two units of the Payao, as livelihood projects.

Last year, the association was granted a 100-square-meter bamboo fish cage worth ₱565,000, with 7,700 pieces of bangus fingerlings and 280 sacks of commercial fish feed, marking the beginning of their aquaculture journey under SAAD’s guidance.

The Plot Twist

Manolito Pajaron, the association’s Public Information Officer (PIO), realized the process was not as difficult as they initially feared. He recalls, “Sa sinugdanan, nabalaka gyud mi kung unsaon pag-set up sa mga cage ug unsa kaha ang pamaagi sa pag-atiman sa mga isda. Apan ang mga training nga gipahigayon sa BFAR-SAAD dako gyud ug tabang aron masabtan namo ang proseso.”
[At first, we were so worried about how to install and set up the cage, and what it would be like to grow the fish in the cage; but the training sessions from BFAR-SAAD helped us understand the entire process.]

The Bangus in Bamboo Cage Project began in August 2024, with SAAD’s fisheries technology trainers providing comprehensive training and materials to help the association adopt aquaculture techniques. The members received hands-on technical guidance in constructing and maintaining bamboo fish cages, feeding protocols, and monitoring fish health to ensure optimal yields.

The association was grateful to see the outcome of their dedication and hard work, as the cage was built with a strong foundation to sustain the desired environment for the fish to thrive.

“Nalipay kami sa dihang nakita namo ang cage, ug sa among huna-huna, klaro na kaayo nga magmalampuson kini. Sa pagdako sa mga isda, gakakita napud namo ang mga resulta sa among kahago,” Pajaron said.

[We were happy when we first saw the cage, and we perceived that the project was going to work and succeed. As the fish grew, we began to see the results of our hard work.]

Bluer Pastures

After four months of proper culture, the group harvested a total of 2,325 kilograms of bangus, with an average body weight of 361 grams per fish.

The harvest was considered a huge success, exceeding their expectations, and demonstrating that their hard work, patience, and the knowledge gained from training truly paid off, setting the stage for a sustainable future in aquaculture.

The association then sold their harvest to a local buyer, who would deliver the produce to Gingoog City. Their total proceeds amounted to ₱300,000, which they said they would reinvest into the project to further improve their income.

A Promise Almost Fulfilled

With the success of their first harvest, the MaLaBaSa Fisherfolk Association now sets its sights on even bigger goals. The group plans to expand the Bangus in Bamboo Cage Project by adding more fish pens for bangus and siganids, along with a fish dryer for preserving their catch.

They also aim to diversify their operations by exploring the production of dried siganids and developing other aquaculture-related ventures. Additionally, the group is exploring ways to promote tourism by creating a floating restaurant using the fish cages and pens as the centerpiece of the attraction.

Gepanao further envisions empowering its community by promoting cooperativism, fostering collaboration, and ensuring sustainable economic growth for all members.

“Pag-abot sa lima ka tuig, gilauman namo nga mahimong cooperative ang among association aron ang mga mananagat adunay access sa puhunan para sa ilang panginabuhian,” she said.
[In five years, we hope that our association will become a cooperative so that fishermen can apply to access capital for their livelihood.]

The journey of the MaLaBaSa Fisherfolk Association is a tale of transformation, growth, and hope. What began as a leap of faith into the unfamiliar world of aquaculture has turned into a promising future.

For the fisherfolk of Balingoan, this harvest is just the beginning. Through hard work, dedication, and the support of BFAR-10 and the SAAD Program, they have not only embraced change—they have become pioneers of a sustainable future for their community.

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.