PANAON, Misamis Occidental – The Punta Fisherfolk Association (PuFA), composed of 15 active members, harvested a total of 2.8 metric tons of bangus cultured in a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) fish cage on November 20, 2025, in Punta, Panaon, Misamis Occidental.

The project, implemented under the National Bangus Development Program (NBDP) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10), aims to enhance local bangus production and strengthen fisherfolk livelihoods by providing science-based aquaculture interventions, capacity-building support, and sustainable production technologies.

On July 11, 2025, around 10,000 bangus fingerlings were stocked with an initial average body weight (ABW) of 40 g each. Throughout the culture period, regular sampling and monitoring were conducted, resulting in an 81% survival rate—a promising outcome for the first culture cycle.

During the harvest, the cultured bangus recorded an ABW of 333 g, equivalent to three pieces per kilogram, with a total production volume of 2.8 metric tons. The harvest is expected to generate an estimated revenue of Php 381,493.00, based on a computed farmgate price of approximately Php 136 per kilogram. Said earnings will be deposited into the organization’s bank account to support its capital build-up and fund future operational expenses.

The activity concluded with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), led by Aquaculturist Il Che A. Sy, to address the project’s issues and concerns and to map out future plans for the group.

Present during the activity were personnel from the Provincial Fisheries Office in Misamis Occidental, headed by Provincial Fishery Officer (PFO) Virginia P. Valde; personnel from the BFAR-10 Regional Office; and representatives from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Panaon.