MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Beneficiaries of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II earned top awards during the 2nd Tilapia Festival held on April 15, 2025 at Kaamulan Park, highlighting the program’s support to the region’s aquaculture sector.

A total of 11 tilapia farmer groups under the SAAD program participated in the festival, showcasing their capabilities in fish production, processing, cooking and marketing.

Among the awardees, Maureen Rose M. Pagaling of the Lantapan Agri-Fisheries Association (LAFA) secured first place in the “Pinaka” category on the biggest Tilapia with an entry weighing 3.9 kilograms. Virginia S. Cabusas of the Romagook Farmers and Fisherfolk Association (RoFFA) placed second with a 2.7-kilogram entry, while Efraim F. Sabado of the South Pang Fisherfolk Association (SoPaFA) ranked third with a 1.9-kilogram tilapia.

In the “Tilapia Fry to Fly” filleting competition, representatives from Valencia City, Bukidnon emerged as first place, while CiRoFFA placed second, followed by SoPaFA in third place, demonstrating the technical skills of SAAD-assisted fisherfolk in fish handling and processing.

In addition, participating associations showcased a variety of tilapia-based dishes and joined the festival’s longest grilled tilapia activity, promoting the quality and freshness of locally produced fish.

The event also served as a platform for SAAD beneficiaries to exhibit their value-added products, enabling them to expand market opportunities and strengthen their respective community-based enterprises.

BFAR-10 emphasized that the recognition of fisherfolk reflects sustained collaboration among the agency, local government units, and partner stakeholders in strengthening Bukidnon’s tilapia industry.

Through sustained interventions in production, post-harvest, and enterprise development, the SAAD program aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of fisherfolk while contributing to local food security and economic growth in the region.