LANAO DEL NORTE, January 31, 2024 – A growing cooperative of farmers and fishers in Lanao del Norte, the Linamon Farmers and Fisherfolk Agriculture Cooperative (LIFFACO), has harvested its first cultured milkfish under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2, earning more than Php 860,000 gross income. 

The initial cropping of LIFFACO is a result of the Bangus Culture in Cage initiative supported by SAAD. As part of this project, 15,000 bangus fingerlings and 540 bags of bangus feeds were distributed, alongside training sessions on fish cage management. This endeavor is focused on ensuring effective livelihood project management which is essential for fostering sustainable and positive outcomes within communities. 

In the grow-out phase in July of this year, 12,200 out of the initially dispersed 15,000 bangus fingerlings, constituting 81.33 percent, successfully thrived. This successful harvest contributes to the Northern Mindanao population’s nutritional needs and generates income for LIFFACO. 

Trucks of fish carriers from Tubod, Lanao del Norte were loaded to transport the freshly harvested bangus to three big cities of the region namely, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Valencia adding to seafood sufficiency. 

LIFFACO chairperson, Dominador Comeda Jr., expressed gratitude to the bureau, particularly the SAAD personnel who helped them in this achievement.  

“Dili g’yud ni namo matagbaw ang ingon ani ka-dakong ginansya nga musulod sa kooperatiba ug dili tungod sa mga proyekto nga gipasalig ninyo (BFAR-10) sa amo. Busa dako kaayo amung pasalamat sa BFAR, labi na sa SAAD nga nag-agak sa amo aron magmalampuson kini,” shared Mr. Comeda.

(We can’t reach this profit for the cooperative if it weren’t for the projects you (BFAR-10) entrusted to us. That’s why I am greatly thankful for the BFAR, especially to SAAD who guided us to this success).

Mr. Comeda also shared the cooperative’s plan for their profit, “Plano namo nga unta madagdagan ni ang amung fish cage aron ma-doble pa g’yud ang pwede namong ma-ginansya” [We plan on investing our profit for another fish cage to double our profit], he added.

During the field day, cooperative members demonstrated the techniques and methods they learned through the SAAD program, highlighting the proper cage management, feeding strategies, and disease prevention measures. This knowledge transfer is a crucial aspect of the program, ensuring that the community becomes self-reliant and capable of sustaining their livelihoods independently.

Chief Statistical Specialist of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Lanao del Norte, Osler M. Mejares was present at the activity to witness the data collection, analysis, and reporting of the harvest considering that this contributes to the overall understanding and development of the aquaculture sector. 

Avenues for progress

For the subsequent cropping, the cooperative plans to invest its earnings to establish another fish cage unit in addition to the one unit provided by BFAR-SAAD to increase its milkfish production and income. They plan to start the next cycle in March 2024 for the 2 units of fish cages.

Moreover, the cooperative plans to set up a mini grocery store within the Community Fish Landing Center (CFLC), offering a range of fishing supplies, fisheries products, and grocery items to diversify their income streams.

The cooperative intends to share dividends to its members in February 2024. The distribution will be equitable, with each member receiving an equal share of the dividend, taking into account their identical contributions to the cooperative’s share capital. The allocation of the cooperative surplus will adhere to the established rules and regulations outlined in their cooperative by-laws, which have been approved by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

Writer: Christine Lyn G. Viajante, BFAR 10 Information Officer
Source: Al Jun B. Magamano, Alternate SAAD Provincial Focal Person
Photo Credit: BFAR 10