By Rollin Dave M. Elloren

MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro City — For many coastal communities in Northern Mindanao, persistent poverty, limited livelihood opportunities, and heavy reliance on capture fishing have long made it difficult for small-scale fisherfolk to earn stable and sustainable income. These challenges are further compounded by declining fish stocks, rising fuel costs, and unpredictable weather patterns, bringing into focus the urgent need for livelihood alternatives beyond traditional open-water fishing.

Addressing these challenges, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10), through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II, continues to empower marginalized fisherfolk by providing livelihood opportunities in the fisheries sector and improving their living conditions.

In Region 10, 13 of the 41 SAAD beneficiary fisherfolk groups have ventured into the Bangus (milkfish) Cage Culture Project. Most of these groups are now on their second cropping cycle, while some have already reached their third by reinvesting earnings from previous harvests.

As the program expands its interventions in 2026, several SAAD-assisted fisherfolk associations are already reaping the benefits. Early this year, the Sumalag Fisherfolk Association (SFA) in Kinoguitan, Misamis Oriental; the Panaon Fisherfolk Association (PaFA) in Panaon, Misamis Occidental; and the Hugpong sa mga Mananagat sa Caluya (HugMaCa) in Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental successfully harvested Bangus cultured in 10-meter by 10-meter bamboo fish cages provided under the program.

On January 15, 2026, HugMaCa harvested a total of 3,400 kilograms of Bangus, with an average body weight (ABW) of 380 grams per fish. This was followed by SFA’s harvest of 3,909 kilograms on January 17, registering an ABW of 382 grams. Meanwhile, PaFA recorded a yield of 3,715 kilograms, with an ABW of 380 grams, during its harvest on January 20, 2026. These production outputs were made possible through support from the Food Production Livelihood (FPL) component of the SAAD Program for Calendar Year 2025.

The successful harvests highlighted the effectiveness of the four-month culture period, as the Bangus were initially stocked between August and September 2025. Proper stocking density, regular monitoring, and adherence to recommended feeding and management practices played a key role in achieving healthy growth and marketable sizes, reflecting the impact of continuous technical guidance provided by BFAR-10.

Beyond production figures, the livelihood benefits of Bangus culture are evident in the income generated by the fisherfolk beneficiaries. The produce were sold to their respective local buyers at an estimated average farmgate price of PHP 165 per kilogram. As a result, HugMaCa’s harvest translated to approximately PHP 561,000 in gross sales. SFA earned an estimated PHP 644,985, while PaFA generated around PHP 612,975 from their respective harvests. These earnings not only provide immediate financial relief but also serve as capital for reinvestment, allowing some associations to begin transitioning toward self-funded and sustainable production cycles.

Emphasizing how the project has opened pathways toward a more stable future for their families, Rey M. Galario, chair of PaFA, shared that the Bangus culture project enabled their association to diversify income sources, reduce daily fishing risks, and acquire new skills in aquaculture and enterprise management.

“Pasalamat gyud kaayo ko ug dako, ilabi na sa tabang nga among nadawat gikan sa BFAR-SAAD. Kini nga proyekto dili lamang nakahatag kanamo ug dugang kita, apan nakahatag usab ug paglaum ug lig-on nga panginabuhian alang sa among mga miyembro ug sa among komunidad,” he said.

Central to the SAAD Program is its mission to transform marginalized fisherfolk from subsistence earners into active contributors to food production and, more importantly, to enable them to transition into business entrepreneurs and build sustainable Community-Based Enterprises (CBEs).

BFAR-10, through the SAAD Program, remains committed to sustaining this momentum in 2026 through continued technical assistance, capacity-building activities, and close monitoring to ensure the long-term viability of the projects. Strengthening fisherfolk organizations and promoting gradual self-reliance remain key priorities as the program advances.

As Bangus culture continues to take root in Northern Mindanao’s coastal communities, it stands as a testament to how targeted government interventions, when paired with fisherfolk dedication, cooperation, and innovation, can transform long-standing challenges into opportunities and turn simple fish cages into pathways toward inclusive growth and sustainable development.