MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro City – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) in Camiguin, conducted a harvest field day for bangus (milkfish) among two beneficiary associations under the Bangus Culture in Modular High Density Polyethylene Cage Project of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II.

On February 11, 2026, the Benoni Fisherfolk Association (BFA) harvested a total of 461.6 kilograms of milkfish, with each fish registering an average body weight (ABW) of 295 grams. Meanwhile, on February 12, the United Fisherfolks Organization of Cantaan (UFOC) recorded a harvest of 784.25 kg, with an ABW of 470.67 g.

The harvest marked a significant milestone for both associations, which simultaneously started their culture period on September 3, 2025, under the program’s Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) component. Each association received 2,500 milkfish fingerlings along with fish feeds sufficient for one cropping cycle. The fingerlings were stocked in their respective cages and cultured for 158 days, achieving a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 2.0 for BFA and 1.72 for UFOC.

To maximize their livelihood opportunities, both associations sold their market-sized bangus to contracted buyers as well as to local residents and passersby at a farmgate price of Php 200 per kilogram. Based on the recorded harvest, the activity generated an estimated income of Php 92,320 for BFA and Php 156,850 for UFOC.

The harvest field day not only showcased the productivity and growth of the cultured milkfish but also provided an opportunity for the associations to strengthen their fish farming and marketing capabilities.

The project also highlights the effectiveness of modern technology and proper management practices in cage culture, aimed at increasing milkfish production while supporting the livelihoods of local fishing communities.

Through the SAAD Program Phase II, BFAR-10 continues to provide technical assistance, production inputs, and capacity-building activities to its beneficiary associations, empowering local communities toward self-reliance and sustainable economic development.