By NSalac/RDME
SUGBONGCOGON, Misamis Oriental – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10), under the leadership of Regional Director Edward B. Yasay, turned over Php 5 million worth of fisheries livelihood assistance to beneficiaries in the 1st District of Misamis Oriental on Friday, August 1, 2025, as part of its continuing efforts to improve the livelihood and productivity of small-scale fisherfolk.
Together with 1st District Representative Hon. Jennifer A. Lagbas and representatives from the Provincial and Municipal Local Government Units (LGUs), certificates of turnover were formally handed over to fisherfolk beneficiaries from the Municipalities of Balingasag, Lagonglong, Salay, Binuangan, Sugbongcogon, Kinoguitan, and Balingoan.
The support package includes various projects under the BFAR’s regular programs and the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II. As part of its key initiatives under the SAAD program, a 10-m diameter High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) circular cage worth Php 1.1M was distributed to selected marginalized fisherfolk in the Municipalities of Sugbongcogon, Balingoan, and Binuangan.
Fisherfolk from Kinoguitan also received inputs for their Bangus Culture in Bamboo Fishcage project, amounting to Php 601,000. Meanwhile, beneficiaries in Lagonglong were granted inputs worth Php 362,000 for their Tilapia Culture in Pond (TCiP) project.
Additionally, under the BFAR’s regular programs, fishing gear and paraphernalia amounting to Php 614,000 were turned over to fisherfolk in Salay (Php 52,000), Balingasag (Php160,000), and Sugbongcogon (Php 402,000).
According to Director Yasay, these programs and projects form part of BFAR’s broader goal of providing additional income opportunities for fisherfolk while addressing food and nutrition security in the Province. He also expressed gratitude to the agency’s local government partners for their consistent collaboration and support.
“We are deeply grateful to our partner LGUs for their continued support in our initiatives—especially those that directly contribute to uplifting the lives of our fisherfolk,” he said.
The turnover ceremony was also highlighted by the messages of support from Congresswoman Lagbas, a representative from the Provincial Government on behalf of Governor Juliette Uy, and the municipal mayors of the participating LGUs. Local officials also expressed their commitment to sustaining these livelihood interventions and ensuring continued collaboration with BFAR for the benefit of coastal communities.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Silad Fisherfolk Association Myrna Obedencio, expressed her heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries.
“Kami malipayon kaayo nga nakatambong karon, ug garbo namo kini nga programa kay makatabang gyud sa among panginabuhian. Daghang salamat sa mga kaayohan nga inyong gitabang kanamo,” she said.
(We are very happy to be here today, and we take great pride in this program as it truly helps support our livelihood. Thank you very much for the assistance you have extended to us.)
Director Yasay also expressed hope that the beneficiaries would genuinely make use of the assistance and called for continued collaboration—not just in livelihood efforts but in protecting the marine resources as well.
“Dili lang unta kutob sa turnover ang atong pag-inubanay ug pagtinambayayong, apan kami nanghinaut nga kini molungtad aron atong makab-ot ang tinguha nga kauswagan, dili lang sa atong lungsod kung dili apil usab sa tibuok lalawigan,” he conveyed.
(We hope that our cooperation and collaboration will not end with this turnover, but will continue so that we may achieve our shared goal of progress—not only in our municipality but also throughout the entire province.)
This initiative underscores the Bureau’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that no fisherfolk is left behind in the country’s pursuit of food security and sustainable economic growth.
