AGUSAN DEL SUR, July 23, 2021- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Caraga (BFAR 13) conducted a 3-day technical training on fish cage aquaculture for two Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program group beneficiaries. With agriculture as the primary industry, aquaculture is gaining ground with the intervention of the SAAD Program for the fishery sector.

The training was conducted at Barangay Patrociño Covered Court, Sta Josefa, Agusan del Sur from July 21 to 23.

The assigned SAAD technical staff trained 24 participants of Patrociño Irrigated Farmers Association (PIFA) and Sta Josefa Farmers and Irrigators Association (SJFIA) on operations management of tilapia culture wherein they experienced hands-on exercises such as fish cage fabrication.

PIFA is chaired by Mr. Arnold G. Plaza while SJFIA is headed by Mr. Antonio P. Alvior. Each group comprises 12 household members.

The two groups are recipients of the Php 362,624 worth Tilapia Culture in Bamboo Cage project under FY 2021 SAAD continuing funds.

On July 7, BFAR-SAAD 13 provided project inputs good for one cropping period. Each group received 6,000 pieces of tilapia fingerlings, 80 bags of feeds, bamboo cage materials, crates, and a weighing scale.

The cage has a total culture area of 30 cubic meters which is made up of three 10-cubic meter compartments.

Just in time to brighten the fishers’ family budget during the holiday season, each group is expected to harvest at least 1.2 tons of tilapia in December. The tilapia to be reaped is valued at Php 191,250.

Mayor Symond Caguiat and Municipal Agriculturist Miraluz Convocar expressed their appreciation and commitment to support the project and its beneficiaries during the turnover of the inputs. They committed to conduct a harvest festival on the projected harvest date. ###

Source: PFO Agusan del Sur

Copy-editor: Natalianne Marie O. Delos Reyes, PR and Communications Officer- SAAD NPMO