CATARMAN, Camiguin—The Provincial Project Management Support Office (PPMSO) of Camiguin, together with the project beneficiaries from Tangaro Freshwater Fish Raiser Association (TaFWaFiRA), successfully harvested a total of 187 kilos of tilapia from their community-based tilapia production project under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 on March 26 in this town.

The harvest, with an average body weight (ABW) of 208 grams, marks the outcome of a collaborative effort by project beneficiaries under the SAAD Program, in partnership with the Camiguin Polytechnic State College (CPSC) Institute of Agriculture and the Local Government Unit of Catarman.

The community-based tilapia production aims to equip beneficiaries with the tools, resources, and support required to create a reliable source of income, therefore promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities among the local community.

Emphasizing how this project has given them the opportunity to improve their livelihoods, Beneranda Labaro, TaFWaFiRA President, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the support that made this initiative possible.

“Kami sa Tangaro Freshwater Fish Raiser Ass. Nagpasalamat sa BFAR nga kami ang getagaan sa maong project. Kini nga project amung ipalambo kay nakita namo nga dako kaayo kining ikatabang sa amuang association,” she conveyed.

[The Tangaro Freshwater Fish Raisers Association thanks the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for selecting us as recipients of this project. We commit to develop and nurture this initiative, recognizing that this will greatly benefit our association.]

The harvested tilapia was sold in local markets, neighboring communities, and KADIWA stalls located at the Provincial Capitol grounds in Camiguin and the LGU Catarman Hall at a farmgate price of ₱160 per kilo. 

The group accumulated a total revenue of ₱30,000, which was immediately deposited into their bank account for future plans and initiatives. 

Further, the association is set to harvest the remaining tilapia stock in the third week of April, and it is projected to harvest more or less 200 kilos.

Writer: Christine Mae R. Ladica

Editor: Vianney Anthony A. Gapuz, OIC PFO Camiguin / RDME

Photo Credit: BFAR 10/PPMSO Camiguin, Province

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.