MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro City (Feb. 24) – The Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II, through its Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10), successfully conducted its Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) component roll out in the provinces of Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte from February 18 to 21, 2025.

According to BFAR-10 SAAD Program Alternate Assistant Focal Ibrahim Sanggoyod, through this activity, the office can assess whether the association has made substantial progress and identify any gaps in the operation of Fisherfolk Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs), in order to provide the necessary interventions to further support their future enterprises.

During the roll-out, the RPMSO team, along with the Provincial Program Management and Support Office (PPMSO) staff gathered essential data on each FCA’s financial cash flow, income statement, and sales record relating to their implementation of SAAD livelihood projects. The team also facilitated the identification of both existing and potential markets, to streamline the distribution process and ensure that the products reach a wider consumer base.

The Baybay United Fisherfolk Association (BUFA) in Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental, and the Linamon Farmers and Fisherfolk Agricultural Cooperative (LIFFACO) in Linamon, Lanao del Norte, which previously received Bangus Culture in Pond Project and Bangus in Bamboo Cage Project, respectively, were selected as the pilot groups for the MAED roll-out.

Following the data-gathering process, the MAED Enterprise Profitability Assessment tool was utilized to evaluate and forecast the potential outcomes for the FCA projects over a five-year period.

As a result, both fisherfolk groups showed profitable outcomes, with an average Return on Investment (ROI) rate of 35% based on the livelihood projects provided by the SAAD program.

This activity was also organized to capacitate the PPMSO staff in the said provinces, equipping them to continue the rollout with other FCAs under their jurisdiction. 

The implementation of the MAED component is planned to proceed in the provinces of Camiguin and Misamis Oriental next month.

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.