MABINI, DAVAO DE ORO, November 24, 2020 – Beneficiaries of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Region 11 cross the middle of this year’s last quarter with abundant fish harvest from their Marine Fish Cage Project.

Perseverance paid off as 38 members of Mabini Fishermen SAAD Association under the Bangus and Kitang in Marine Fish Cage Project harvested 15,826.6 kg combined fish species on November 13 and 17.

As part of the Department of Agriculture’s response to the global health crisis, deliveries of food production components were unhampered despite multiple lockdowns and social gathering restrictions which limit the mobility of implementers, suppliers, and farmers.

The association received 40,000 pieces (pcs) Bangus garungan and 10,000 pcs Kitang fingerlings for their aquaculture project in May and July 2020. In addition, the program provided five units of marine fishcage and post-harvest equipment, five units of chilling tank, two units of stainless sorting table, and one unit of crates stand.

Moreover, the fish harvest circulated as supply for the local nearby markets, which provided the association with Php 1,547,646.10 total sales. From this, 76.6 % will be saved for their next cropping expected in April 2021, and 23.4 % were shared as income by the 38 members.

Continued market assistance is provided as part of the DA’s thrust to improve and diversify the market and commerce system to advance Filipino fishers’ welfare.

BFAR Region 11 Regional Director Raul C. Millana pledged to continue efforts to aid fisher-beneficiaries through various BFAR-SAAD projects, as the province does not only aim to help marginalized fisherfolk for additional means of livelihood, but also contribute to Davao de Oro’s aquaculture operations.

BFAR-SAAD Region 11 Focal Person Maricel P. Antiga is optimistic that Davao de Oro’s fishery sector will continue to prosper as collaboration with fisherfolk communities and provincial agriculture and fishery development implementers flourishes.

Writer:

Jessamae Gabon, DA SAAD NPMO, Public Relations, and Communications Officer

Sources and Photos:

Maricel P. Antiga, BFAR-SAAD Region 11 Focal Person

Jixselynn C. Portacion, BFAR Region 11 Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Coordinator

BFAR-SAAD Region 11