KALINGA, September 17, 2020 – Various fishery livelihood interventions were provided to the eight (8) accredited organizations and two (2) fish vendors in Tabuk City by the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Cordillera Region despite the strict entry border protocol due to the CoViD-19 pandemic.

The Php 357,000 worth of aquaculture projects and post-harvest paraphernalia are part of the Php 12 million worth of SAAD fishery livelihood projects in Kalinga for FY 2020.

The farmers’ organizations and fish vendors, who accepted the aquaculture and post-harvest facilities were:

1. Binongsay Malin-Awa Savings and Loan Cooperative – received a package of post-harvest paraphernalia (inclusive of 1-unit chest freezer, 1-unit ice cooler box, 5 pcs stainless trays, 1 pc kitchen knife, 1 pc chopping board, 5 pcs stainless forceps, and 5 pcs aprons).
2. Catao Pagbiagan Association for Development – received a one-unit fish cage project (inclusive of feeds, fingerlings, and fish cage structure).
3. San Pedro Credit Cooperative – received a package of post-harvest paraphernalia (inclusive of 1-unit chest freezer, 1-unit ice cooler box, and 5 pcs stainless trays).
4. Northern Luzon Diocesan Employees Multipurpose Cooperative – received a package of post-harvest paraphernalia (inclusive of 1-unit chest freezer, 1-unit ice cooler box, and 5 pcs stainless trays).
5. Pacak Agbannawag 4H Club – received two units of Solar Powered Urban Aquaponics Systems.
6. Rural Group for Transformation – received a package of post-harvest paraphernalia (Inclusive of 3-unit solar dryers, 1-unit ice cooler box, 5 pcs stainless trays, 3 pcs kitchen knives, 3 pcs chopping boards, 5 pcs stainless forceps, and 5 pcs aprons).
7. St. William’s Farmers Credit Cooperative – received a package of post-harvest paraphernalia (inclusive of 3-unit solar dryers, 1-unit ice cooler box, 5 pcs stainless trays, 3 pcs kitchen knives, 3 pcs chopping boards, 5 pcs stainless forceps, and 5 pcs aprons).
8. Challenger’s Agriculture Cooperative – received a package of post-harvest paraphernalia (inclusive of 3-unit smokehouses, 1-unit ice cooler box, 5 pcs stainless trays, 3 pcs kitchen knives, 3 pcs chopping boards, 5 pcs stainless forceps, and 5 pcs aprons).
9. Lorenzo Gupa-Al (fish vendor) – received a package of post-harvest paraphernalia (inclusive of 1-unit tri-bike with umbrella and 2-unit ice cooler boxes).
10. Danio Aboli (fish vendor) – received a package of post-harvest paraphernalia (inclusive of 1-unit tri-bike with umbrella and 2-unit ice cooler boxes).

In her message, BFAR-CAR Regional Director, Lilibeth L. Signey said that while living with the “new normal” situation, the bureau will continue dispatching fishery inputs and interventions in the Cordillera Region. She encouraged everyone to still adhere to the minimum health standard protocols set by the authorities.

“Thank you so much to BFAR for all the blessings that you continue to deliver in the province of Kalinga. They (BFAR) are doing their best to reach out for a purpose in developing our rural areas for the livelihood sustenance of our farmers and fisherfolk while pandemic is still there. So, continue to strive more to sustain these projects,” said Governor Ferdinand B. Tubban as he encouraged the beneficiaries.

Mr. Lorenzo M. Gupa-al, who is a fish vendor, also expressed his gratitude for receiving such livelihood support. He maintains his 500 square meter pond area where he also sells live tilapia.

“I am thankful to receive this kind of livelihood support from the program because before, I used to walk around my neighborhoods just to sell my produce, so with the tri-bike, it will be convenient for me to roam around without carrying my produce—about 10 kilograms,” said Gupa-al.

Meanwhile, 4H Club President Syntha Dang-ao also shared their gladness while receiving the two units of solar-powered urban aquaponics system.

“We are very glad to receive the project, and willing to sustain it especially now, I believe we have more time to maintain the project and make it as our hobby during the community quarantine. And, after this pandemic, we are planning to set up aquaponics in Pacak Day Care Center, in Brgy Agbannawag, Tabuk City to promote the value of planting crops and grow fish at the same time,” said Ms. Dang-ao.

With all the livelihood projects distributed, Provincial Fishery Officer Joyce M. Ducyogen reminded the recipients to sustain the said projects, so that they can request for more interventions in the future.

For its three-year implementation, from 2019 to 2021, Kalinga will receive Php 37 million worth of various fishery interventions. ###

Writer: Rodelyn Foronda, BFAR-CAR Community Development Officer I
Copy Editor: Jennifer Valcobero, SAAD NPMO Public Relation and Comms Officer
Source of Photos: BFAR-CAR