By Mark Navarro/PFO Bukidnon

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 10, through its Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) in Bukidnon, has successfully delivered aquaculture livelihood inputs amounting to P2 million to  identified 280 fisherfolk beneficiaries in the province. 

This initiative, implemented under Calendar Year (CY) 2025, forms part of the Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) component of the SAAD program—a six-year transformative government effort aimed at reducing poverty and improving the living standards of low-income fisherfolk in vulnerable and traditionally underserved communities.

Each beneficiary from the Municipalities of Baungon, Malitbog, Sumilao, Impasug-ong, Talakag, Pangantucan, Kadingilan, Lantapan, Cabanglasan, Kibawe, Damulog, Quezon, Kitaotao, and San Fernando in Bukidnon received 1,500 tilapia fingerlings along with an initial allocation of 5.6 bags of feed—consisting of 1 bag of fry mash, 1.6 bags of starter crumble, and 3 bags of starter pellets. An additional 8 bags of grower pellets will be distributed during the third month of the culture period.

These aquaculture provisions are strategically provided to ensure the beneficiaries’ successful management of one complete tilapia cropping cycle.

The distribution of inputs is designed to ensure efficient use of natural resources  and responsibly generate income. These interventions aim not only to boost fish production but also to promote long-term livelihood viability by supporting fisherfolk in developing their fish farming activities from production to market readiness.

The SAAD Program Phase II is known for its comprehensive and diverse approach toward uplifting fisherfolk communities. Beyond providing physical inputs, it also focuses on social preparation, including community assessments, capacity-building, and specialized training to develop beneficiaries’ skills in managing their fisheries projects effectively. This holistic approach nurtures fisherfolk into becoming entrepreneurs, rather than mere producers, promoting economic empowerment and resilience.

Moreover, the program includes components for marketing assistance and enterprise development. After receiving inputs and completing training, beneficiaries are supported through market identification, linkages, and enterprise development activities to help secure sustainable income.

Local officials and program implementers from SAAD program and PPMSO Bukidnon expressed optimism that the aquaculture provisions and associated support will significantly improve fish production and enhance the economic well-being of the fisherfolk communities. 

This initiative supports the program’s broader vision of fostering sustainable livelihoods for fisherfolk, while contributing to national food security and poverty reduction. The recent turnover in Bukidnon represents a significant milestone in advancing the SAAD Program’s goals of sustainable development through targeted support, capacity building, and economic empowerment of marginalized fisheries communities.