By MCenas/RDME

PANAON, Misamis Occidental – Marking its third year of implementation under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2, the Panaon Fisherfolk Association (PAFA) has kicked off its livelihood project with the stocking of 11,000 milkfish (bangus) fingerlings in a 10×10 meter bamboo fish cage on August 28, 2025.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) in Misamis Occidental, is supporting the initiative to strengthen the association’s milkfish culture enterprise, boost local fish production, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for its members.

The project package includes quality fingerlings and a complete set of feeds (starter, grower, and finisher) for the entire culture period. To ensure sustainability and profitability, the association will also receive post-harvest materials to aid in processing and marketing activities.

Prior to the stocking, PAFA members actively assisted in the packing and transport of the fingerlings from the Northern Mindanao Brackishwater Aquaculture Development Training Center (NMBADTC) in Pacita, Lala, Lanao del Norte. During the stocking activity, members worked collaboratively to carefully release the fingerlings into the cages, adhering to proper acclimatization procedures to minimize stress and mortality.

PAFA Chairman Rey Galario expressed his gratitude for the project, saying, “The support we received from BFAR through the SAAD Program is truly a blessing. With unity and cooperation, we will strive to develop this project into a sustainable livelihood for our community.”

As the project moves forward, PAFA together with BFAR-10 SAAD Program will continue to work together to ensure its success and to help build a more stable and food-secure community.