MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro (Feb. 3) — The Sumalag Fisherfolk Association (SFA) in Kinoguitan, Misamis Oriental, is eyeing on expanding its livelihood opportunities after reaping a total of 309 thousand pesos in sales from their Bangus in Bamboo Cage project under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10). 

On February 1, the project achieved an impressive 86.5% survival rate of its stocked bangus, with a total harvest of 2,481 kilos and an average body weight of 410 grams—a milestone that is aligned with SAAD’s objective to alleviate poverty and improve the livelihood of marginalized fisherfolk in priority areas.

According to Oscar Quibedo, SFA President, the revenue will help fund their plan to establish a community store, providing easy access for the fisherfolk to essential yet affordable fishing and aquaculture supplies and materials.

“Ang tindahan dili lamang magserbisyo sa mga panginahanglan sa lokal nga mga mangingisda, apan magmugna usab ug dugang nga tinubdan sa kita para sa asosasyon,” he said.

[The store will not only serve the needs for fishing supplies of local fisherfolk but also create an additional source of income for the association.]

Encouraged by their success and the support of BFAR-10, the group is now preparing for their next cropping, as it aims to further enhance their aquaculture practices towards increased production, and improved livelihood.

Writer: Rollin Dave M. Elloren

Photo Credit: SAAD RPMSO-10

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