By Mary Joy Valiente

TAGOLOAN, Lanao del Norte — As part of its sustained aquaculture development efforts, the Inagongan Agri-Fisheries Association (InAgFA) of Tagoloan, Lanao del Norte harvested about 1,030 kg of market-sized tilapia from its Tilapia Culture in Pond (TCiP) Project, a livelihood initiative implemented by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2.

Showcasing the results of their diligent monitoring and effective application of tilapia culture techniques learned from BFAR-10 experts, the association achieved remarkable success. Utilizing a 1,500 sqm fishpond and stocking 5,000 tilapia fingerlings, they recorded an impressive 82.40% survival rate—resulting in a harvest of approximately 1,030 kilograms (around 4,120 pieces) and generating Php 175,000.00.

InAgFA President Danilo Herbito expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the program, emphasizing that the intervention not only boosted their income but also strengthened the association’s unity and shared commitment to advancing sustainable aquaculture in their community.

“Busa akong hangyo, ilabi na sa akong mga kauban sa grupo, nga magtinabangay kita, magsinabtanay, ug magpadayon sa pagpaningkamot aron mas mapalambo pa nato ang maong proyekto. Kay dili lamang kita ang mabenepisyohan niini, apan apil usab ang atong mga pamilya, mga silingan, ug ang tibuok komunidad nga posibleng makatagamtam og kauswagan sa panginabuhian,” he shared.

(That’s why I ask, especially to my colleague in the group , that we help each other, understand one another, and continue to strive so that we can further develop this project, because it’s not only us who will benefit from this, but also our families, neighbors, and the entire community who potentially enjoy improved livelihood.)

As part of the project’s implementation, the Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) of Lanao del Norte, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Tagoloan, provided crucial support through postharvest training, technical advisory services, and the provision of essential aquaculture inputs.

Embracing religious and cultural diversity, the Inagongan Agri-Fisheries Association—comprising members from both the Maranao and Christian communities—has exemplified strong unity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the success of their aquaculture enterprise.

Through its PPMSO-LDN, the BFAR-SAAD Program Phase 2 continues to reaffirm its strong commitment to serving as a catalytic platform for advancing food security and uplifting the livelihoods of marginalized fisherfolk across Lanao del Norte.