By Marilou L. Cenas

DON VICTORIANO, Misamis Occidental — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2, under the leadership of Regional Director Edward B. Yasay, successfully conducted a simultaneous stocking of 5,000 tilapia fingerlings on August 1 and 5 in the landlocked municipalities of Don Victoriano and Concepcion in Misamis Occidental, respectively. 

Sourced from BFAR-10’s Kisolon Freshwater Fish Production and Regional Training Center in Sumilao, Bukidnon, these high-quality fingerlings will serve as part of a sustainable livelihood intervention for the members of the Concepcion Farmers Fishpond Association (CoFFA) and the Don Victoriano Tilapia Growers Association (DonVicTGA). 

Along with the fingerlings, the beneficiaries also received aquaculture inputs such as feeds and fertilizers (sufficient for one cropping season), as well as post-harvest materials, ensuring they are fully equipped for both the culture and eventual post – harvest technology of tilapia.

The technical team also extended hands-on technical assistance during the stocking process to ensure proper acclimatization and handling of fingerlings.

This initiative underscores the vital steps being taken under the BFAR-10’s SAAD Program to provide consistent and inclusive support to inland fisherfolk communities with limited access to marine resources, while also highlighting the beneficiaries’ improved access to modern aquaculture technologies and emerging market opportunities.

Moreover, with the strong support of the Local Government Units (LGUs), the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), and partner communities, this initiative serves as a testament to the potential of fish farming to thrive even in the hinterlands—fostering hope, resilience, and long-term fish-sufficiency.