MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro City – In the hype of celebrating the 61st Fish Conservation Week, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) recently turned over various projects worth P5-M under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 in the agency’s compound.

BFAR-10 Regional Director Edward B. Yasay handed the certificate of turnover to seven fisherfolk groups in Misamis Oriental and three from Lanao del Norte, aiming to enhance their livelihood through sustainable fishing practices, improved access to resources, and promote community-based initiatives for better fishery management.

A total of P3.5-M worth of projects were turned-over to the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Misamis Oriental. These include the Bamboo Bangus Culture in cages in Balingoan and Kinoguitan, the provision of fishing boats and other paraphernalia in Binuangan, Sugbongcogon, and Gitagum, as well as the construction of a deep-sea payao and additional fishing gear in Libertad, and lastly the Tilapia Culture in Pond Project  in Lagonglong.

In Lanao del Norte, similar support was extended with projects such as input materials for the Tilapia Culture in Pond in Balo-i and Poona Piagapo and the Bangus Culture in Floating Bamboo Fish Cage Project in Linamon amounting to P1.5-M.

According to RD Yasay, these projects are designed to enhance the livelihoods of our fisherfolk and to ensure the long-term preservation of our precious water and ocean resources.

“The preservation of our waters and oceans is shared among all residents and every Filipino. We, at BFAR-10 hope to strengthen and continue our efforts in protecting our seas, while also supporting our local fisherfolk in achieving a food-secure nation,” he conveyed.

Further, RD Yasay urged the beneficiaries to remain engaged and dedicated to sustainable fishing practices, emphasizing that their active involvement is crucial for the success of these initiatives and the long-term health of our marine ecosystems.

As these projects roll out, the bureau expects to improve the overall sustainability of local fisheries in the region while also increasing the economic prospects of the communities involved, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient fishing industry.