CEBU, July 1, 2021– The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 7 (BFAR 7) earmarked over Php 11 million worth of fishery livelihood projects in 2021 for the existing beneficiaries of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program in Bohol.

The development was revealed during the region’s midyear assessment, graced by the SAAD Director Myer G. Mula at Cebu Parklane Hotel, Cebu City on June 28, 2021.

To note, Bohol is the remaining province that will be completing the three-year project implementation in 2021 for the fishery sector. It is one of the three provinces in Central Visayas, along with Negros Oriental and Siquijor, where the SAAD Program was rolled out.

Bohol’s beneficiaries, which currently count to 618 individuals and 56 fisherfolk associations, will be receiving various livelihood projects and interventions this year, according to BFAR 7 planning officer and SAAD regional focal Ms. Harlene Cañete.

These are aquaculture-related projects such as seaweed grow-out, oyster culture, milkfish (bangus) and tilapia floating fish cages, and blue swimming crab culture.

Some are capture fisheries projects such as fish aggregating devices or artificial fish shelter, motorized fiberglass boats, and gill nets or hand lines.

Ms. Cañete said that the SAAD Program is also funding postharvest projects, particularly processing equipment for bangus and oyster.

Of the total Php 15.7 million budget allotted to BFAR-SAAD Region 7, Php 2 million is allocated for training and Php 2 million for program management.

Also in attendance was BFAR 7 Regional Director Dr. Allan Poquita, who in his address expressed his gratitude to the SAAD team for providing its full support to the fisherfolk in Central Visayas.

Region 7 BFAR-SAAD implementation

The SAAD Program was first introduced in Negros Oriental in 2017.  It was then implemented in Siquijor in 2018, followed by Bohol in 2019.

From 2017 to 2020, SAAD already allocated Php 99 million from the 56 projects carried out in the three provinces that provided livelihood interventions to 2,455 individuals and 151 associations with 4,712 members.

The SAAD Program through BFAR follows a unique strategy whereby the recipients will undergo a gradual and developing process in three years.

In the first year, the beneficiaries individually received projects that will support their livelihood. The following year they were grouped and immersed in training and social preparation. In the final year, the groups were formed into associations which enable them to handle their fishery enterprise.

SAAD seeks to alleviate the poverty status of marginalized fisherfolk by providing projects that will augment the livelihood of the beneficiaries and increase their income.

Through the training provided, beneficiaries are molded into self-reliant and independent individuals or groups who can establish a sustainable enterprise for their families and communities. ###

Writer: May Miasco-Cabucos, Information Officer- BFAR Region 7

Copy-editor: Natalianne Marie O. Delos Reyes, PR and Communications Officer- SAAD NPMO