BOHOL, April 11-12, 2020 – Fisherfolk beneficiaries of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program managed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 7 harvested 1.455 tons of bangus (milkfish) in the municipalities of Maribojoc and Calape.

The Looc Fishermen Association with  45 members of Looc, Calape and Maribojoc Coastal Law Barangay Enforcement with 28 members of the Municipality of Maribojoc are beneficiaries of the Bangus Culture in Marine-Floating Fish Cages Project in 2019. Both associations received materials for fish cage, fingerlings, and feeds for one cycle production with a total project cost of Php 270,000 each.

On April 11, 2020, Looc Fishermen Association harvested 550 kgs of bangus, which were sold at Php 120/kg in Calape Public Market generating a gross income of Php 66,000, while the Maribojoc Coastal Law Barangay Enforcement harvested 905 kgs of bangus, which were priced at Php 120/kg have grossed Php 108,600.

Both associations aim to help their communities provide food supply in the markets amid the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) due to COVID-19.

The fisherfolk practiced the proper protocol for the ECQ, such as physical distancing, while doing harvesting and marketing with the assistance of the Bohol Provincial Fishery Office (PFO) of BFAR Region 7.

Both associations plan to conduct the 2nd stocking once the ECQ has been lifted. ###

Writer: Jemima Arro, SAAD Public Relations and Communications Officer

Source Harlene C. Cañete, Focal for BFAR 7/ Ana Liza Anib, Bohol PFO Information Officer