AGUSAN DEL SUR, January 25, 2022 – Thirty (30) fisherfolk families from Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (ADS) each received a fish drying net and fish crate as additional interventions from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program.

The Fish Drying Project funded under FY 2021 worth Php 328,200 benefited 120 families in the province. The materials were distributed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR )- Region 13.

The project aims to encourage fisherfolk to engage in fish drying as a value-adding strategy. Each drying net measures 12 square feet fitted with aluminum frames. It can accommodate up to 8 to 10 kilograms of fresh fish. The whole structure is covered with fine mesh nets to protect the fish from flies and other predators thus preventing contamination.

One of the beneficiaries, the family of Carlos Guerrero from Maharlika, Talacogon, has been producing dried fish for over 10 years. 

“We have been using drying platforms made up of wood and bamboo slats, but not anymore with the aluminum framed fish drying net from SAAD. We can now prepare our dried fish with better quality,” Carlos said. 

Aside from the drying nets, the family of Mr. Guerrero already received a fiberglass boat in 2019 and two sets of fishing gears in 2020.

The remaining 90 materials will be distributed to the municipalities of Lapaz, Loreto, and Bunawan. The municipalities are adjacent to Agusan Marsh – the main fishing ground of the province.

The turnover in Talacogon was attended by BFAR Agusan del Sur Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Provincial Officer Bimbo C. Lagare, Local Government Unit (LGU) Administrator Gina Gatab, and Municipal Agriculturist Reuel Barraca. ###

Writer: Bimbo C. Lagare, BFAR Agusan del Sur OIC Provincial Officer

Source: PFO Agusan del Sur