By Nelga Salac

EL SALVADOR, Misamis Oriental  –In support of the ongoing implementation of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II, the Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) in Misamis Oriental, under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region – 10 (BFAR-10), successfully conducted a series of specialized trainings on the operation and management of their livelihood projects, alongside sessions on Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) on August 5, 2025.

The activity covered group beneficiaries of ongoing aquaculture projects under SAAD Program Phase II for FY 2025, aiming to strengthen their technical knowledge, enhance project sustainability, and equip them with practical skills essential for effective fish farming management and production.

Three group beneficiaries from the Municipalities of Binuangan, Sugbongcogon, and Gitagum — recipients of the 10m  diameter High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages — underwent a comprehensive orientation on bangus cage culture. Meanwhile, the beneficiaries from Lagonglong, who received support under the Tilapia Culture in Pond Project (TCiP), participated in the GAqP training, which emphasized responsible and sustainable fish farming practices aligned with food safety and environmental standards.

The training also included computation of Daily Feeding Ratio (DFR) and Average Body Weight (ABW), which are essential for stock sampling and biomass estimation.

In support of continued learning and knowledge reinforcement, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on the benefits of establishing Community-Based Enterprises (CBEs) were also distributed and discussed during the training sessions.

Emphasizing the importance of sustaining community-based fish farming projects, Johnny Sumaylo, Municipal Agriculturist of Sugbongcogon, said that the active involvement of beneficiaries, coupled with continuous support from the local government and partner agencies, is essential to ensure long-term success.

“Kami sa Local Government Unit (LGU) ug sa BFAR andam motabang kaninyo, mga mananagat. Ang among hangyo lang mao nga inyong ampingan ug amumahon ang proyekto nga gihatag sa BFAR-SAAD aron inyong mapalambo ug mapadayon kini,” Sumaylo expressed.

(We, at the Local Government Unit (LGU) and BFAR are ready to assist you, our fisherfolk. Our only request is that you take care of and nurture the project provided by BFAR-SAAD so that you can further develop and sustain it.)

Meanwhile, Ruel Nahial, President of the Mabini Fisherfolk and Fish Vendor Association (MAFFVA), conveyed the beneficiaries’ appreciation—particularly on the provision of HDPE cage interventions—which they regarded as long-awaited support to enhance their aquaculture-based livelihood.

“Kining gihatag sa BFAR nga cage, mao gyud kini ang among gipangandoy nga makaangkon mi niini. Paningkamotan namo nga mapalambo kini, uban ang pagtinabangay sa among asosasyon,” he said. 

(This cage provided by BFAR is what we have been longing for to make a living from it. We will work hard to improve it, together with the cooperation of our association.)

The activity concluded with the SAAD Program’s field implementers reaffirming their commitment to providing technical support alongside livelihood inputs, ensuring that fisherfolk not only receive infrastructure and materials, but are also empowered with the necessary knowledge and skills to maximize project success.