BUKIDNON, February 15, 2021 – Libona SAAD Fisherfolk Association (LSFA) with 26 members received Php 366,000 worth of mini processing and feed formulation sheds with grinder, pelleter, and utensils from the Special Area for Agricultural Development Program (SAAD) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) funded in 2020.

BFAR 10 Regional Director Teodoro A. Bacolod Jr said that the project ensures food security and helps fisherfolk from far-flung areas to sustain their livelihood.

“We are very thankful to the Local Government Unit of Libona for the unending support to the bureau. We always find ways to provide projects especially those in need because we bring the government closer to the people,” said Dir. Bacolod.

“Through the SAAD Program, I hope we can reduce the poverty incidence in Libona and increase your tilapia production through the establishment of these post-harvest facilities. We hope that you will take care of the projects given to you,” added Dir. Bacolod.

Mr. Raymond Badilla, President of LSFA, also expressed his gratitude for the livelihood projects provided by the program.

“Dako akong pasalamat sa proyekto nga gehatag sa BFAR. Hinaot nga among mapalambo kining maong proyekto. Ako usab geawhag ang akong mga kauban nga magtinabangay kita. Dili boot pasabot nga ako ang Presidente, ako na ang magboot niini. Usa lang ako sa magpadagan niining proyektoha,” shared Mr. Badilla.

(We are very thankful for the projects provided by the program through BFAR. We hope that we will nurture these projects. As the president of LSFA, I am encouraging my group members to help one another. It doesn’t mean that because I am the president, I will be the one to benefit. I will just be the one to manage the projects.)

The establishment of mini processing and feed formulation sheds is part of the intervention under the SAAD Program to capacitate the beneficiaries to produce feeds using locally available raw materials to reduce their cost of operations.

Moreover, they were also trained on value-adding technology to improve their postharvest capabilities to increase the market value of their products.

“We hope that this project would drive you to earn more not just for yourselves but for the betterment of your family and somehow would uplift your way of living,” said Provincial Fishery Officer Marlou N. Fernandez, in his closing remarks.

Writer: Jessie Acapulco, BFAR 10 Information Officer
Source of Photos: BFAR Region 10