ILOCOS SUR, July 28, 2023 – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Program Phase 2 Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) conducted its First Semester Physical and Financial Assessment in Santiago, Ilocos Sur, on June 22-24, 2023 reporting 100% rate of coverage across six (6) expanded provinces in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Regional Director Lilibeth L. Signey acknowledged the unwavering dedication of the SAAD implementers, surpassing even the highest expectations set forth for the Phase 2 program implementation. RD Signey also commended the spirit of collaboration that resonated among the team and extended her gratitude to the positive performance delivered by the BFAR SAAD-CAR for the fisherfolk communities in Cordillera despite its highland location.

Further, RD Signey highlighted that this assessment activity stands as a powerful narration of capturing unique stories as well as the revelation of “behind the scenes” of SAAD experience as staff set foot in their assigned municipalities. 

Meanwhile, BFAR SAAD-CAR Program Coordinator Michelle A. Peralta provided an overview of the program’s accomplishments in the first semester. Expanding its reach from three (3) provinces during Phase 1, to six (6) provinces (covering all provinces in the region), BFAR SAAD Phase 2 tapped 38 municipalities, 98 barangays, 47 fisherfolk associations (FAs), involving 1,405 fisherfolk beneficiaries.

Further, Ms. Peralta reported completion of the social preparation phase and 100% coverage among target fisherfolk associations (FAs) for FY 2023. Of the reported 47 FAs, BFAR SAAD-CAR organized 29 new groups. The specialized training focusing on commodity-specific skills and practices refinement target exceeded 114% accomplishment rate, in line with the goal of strengthening production not only through modernization but also skills enhancement among fisherfolk. 

Additionally, 22 groups shall undergo prescribed training modules through Fish N’ LEarn, a continuous financial education campaign promoted by the BFAR in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Similarly, the livelihood projects distributed have shown significant progress, surpassing the semestral target of 14 units noting a 236% accomplishment rate. The over-accomplishment is a result of the extensive measures taken by the Bureau to reach the target 10% annual increase on fisheries production nationwide.

BFAR CAR Planning Officer Arnold A. Paleng proposed for the utilization of the ‘PESTLE analysis’ as a tool or framework in presenting different issues and concerns for resolution based on Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental.

The assessment was attended by BFAR-CAR Chief Aquaculturist, Lois June B. Fermin commending the implementers’ eagerness to learn and maintain a positive mindset. She likewise expressed her hope that the SAAD staff would continue to exhibit the same dedication and join and serve the fisherfolk communities in their SAAD journey.

Moving forward, the implementation is currently on the Food and Livelihood Production component where stocking of fingerlings, harvest activities will be monitored in the coming semester. ###

Writer: Jessamae Gabon, DA-SAAD NPMO Information Officer, Eleanor Bognay, BFAR-SAAD Information Officer

Source: BFAR-SAAD CAR