By MSBuntag/RDME

CAMIGUIN – The Punta Catarman Community Fishing Association (PCCFA), together with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources –  Region 10 (BFAR-10) of the Provincial Program Management Support Office in Camiguin, successfully hauled a total of 400 kilograms of assorted high-value fish species, marking a transformative breakthrough in their livelihood under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II.

The event held in coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU) and a small-scale commercial fishing vessel managed by Mr. Joebert L. Labadan from Catarman, highlighted the successful harvest from a Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) or payao project under the SAAD Program in the town’s offshore waters.

The structure attracted a significant concentration of pelagic fish, such as Tulingan (Auxis thazard, frigate tuna), Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), and a small member of Kutob or Matambaca (Selar crumenophthalmus, bigeye scad), resulting in a productive and sustainable catch. 

After the catch was brought ashore and sorted, it was divided according to an agreed 1:2 ratio—132 kg (33.3%) proceed for the fisherfolk association, and 268 kg (66.7%) to the commercial partner. This arrangement is part of the bureau’s Big Brother-Small Brother (BBSB) scheme, which helps local fisherfolk earn income without owning or operating large vessels, supporting inclusive growth in the fisheries sector. This is under a fishery ordinance of the municipality.

Members received their share of the freshly caught fish, enough to provide food for their respective families, while the remaining portions were sold locally, generating a total of Php 12,000. The group intends to deposit the earnings into a savings account and set aside funds for future livelihood activities. Meanwhile, Michael Angcog, treasurer of PCCFA, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the program, noting that it has renewed their hope for better fish harvests and given a meaningful boost to their livelihoods.

“Dako akong pasalamat sa SAAD Program Phase II sa ilang padayon nga suporta. Kining proyekto nga Deep Sea Payao dako’g natabang sa among asosasyon, ilabi na sa among mga miyembro nga mangingisda aron mapalambo ang among panginabuhi ug masiguro ang malungtarong pagpanagat,” Angcog said.

(I am deeply grateful to the SAAD Program Phase II for their continuous support. This [Deep Sea Payao] project has greatly helped our association, especially our fisherfolk members, in improving our livelihood and ensuring sustainable fishing practices.)

Further, the Deep Sea Payao Project under SAAD program Phase 2 is designed to help small-scale fisherfolk access offshore fisheries sustainably, reduce pressure on coastal fishing grounds, and enhance economic returns through partnerships with the commercial fishing vessel operators.