Cebu
Cebu is a prominent island province in the Central Visayas region, composed of a long main island and 167 smaller surrounding islands and islets. Cebu City, known as the “Queen City of the South,” serves as its capital and is a major center for commerce, trade, education, and industry in the Visayas. However, Cebu City, along with Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City, are highly urbanized and politically independent from the provincial government, though they are often grouped with the province for statistical purposes. Cebu boasts diverse landscapes, from narrow coastlines and limestone plateaus to rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges. It is a popular tourist destination, famous for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and vibrant culture, including the renowned Sinulog Festival.
Agricultural Sector
The agricultural sector in Cebu, while significant, has faced some challenges recently. In the first semester of 2024, the total production of “Other Crops” in Cebu, including fruits and non-food industrial crops, saw a substantial decrease of 37.43% compared to the same period in 2023. Fruit crops declined by 9.47% and non-food/industrial crops by 59.49%. Major crops like bananas, calamansi, mangoes, and pineapples all recorded negative growth rates. While vegetables and root crops showed a slight increase (1.05%), with cassava being the largest contributor, the overall trend indicates a downturn. Cebu does have a large number of farms and is a significant producer of corn and coconut, but factors like high input costs, diseases, and weather events continue to impact productivity.
Fisheries Sector
The fisheries sector in Cebu is currently facing significant challenges. In 2023, the total volume of fisheries production in Cebu decreased annually by 42.11% from 2022. This substantial decline was primarily due to significant drops in Marine Municipal Fisheries (down 48.78%) and Aquaculture production (down 55.30%), particularly in seaweed and other farmed species. While Commercial Fisheries saw an increase of 11.79%, this was not enough to offset the overall decline. This severe downturn impacts the livelihoods of many Cebuanos dependent on fishing and raises concerns about food security. Factors contributing to this decline include overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable management practices and renewed efforts in the sector.
Poverty Situation
Despite Cebu’s reputation as the richest province in the Philippines in terms of assets, its poverty situation presents a more nuanced picture. While there has been a significant improvement from 2021, with poverty incidence among the population dropping from a staggering 36.5% to 21.9% in 2023, this rate is still above the national average of 15.5%. This translates to about 750,000 poor individuals in the province (excluding highly urbanized cities), making it one of the provinces with a high number of poor individuals. The poverty threshold for a family of five in Cebu province was approximately PHP 14,757 per month in 2023. While economic growth and tourism contribute to poverty reduction, challenges remain, especially in the agricultural and fisheries sectors, and in improving human resources through education.
Project Profile
DA
The DA (Department of Agriculture) SAAD (Special Area for Agricultural Development) program is actively supporting farmers and fisherfolk in Cebu. As part of its Phase 2 implementation, SAAD identifies and assists beneficiaries in 5th and 6th class municipalities within the poverty threshold. The program focuses on providing livelihood projects that aid in food production and enterprise development. For example, the San Antonio Farmers Association (SAFA) in Cebu, a beneficiary of the DA-SAAD program, actively showcases its agri-products at local trade fairs, demonstrating success in marketing. SAAD projects aim to empower communities by providing agricultural goods, services, and training to help beneficiaries develop into entrepreneurs and achieve self-sufficiency, thus contributing to poverty alleviation and food security.
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Alcantara | Lawaan | Goat Production and Marketing Enterprise | Lawaan Farmers Association | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2023 | Alcantara | Manga | Cattle Production and Marketing Enterprise | Mangga Farmers Association | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2023 | Alcoy | Nug-As | Cattle Production and Marketing Enterprise | Nug-as Active Workers Association | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2023 | Alcoy | San Agustin | Goat Production and Marketing Enterprise | Alayon (san Agustin Group) | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2023 | Boljoon | Nangka | Cattle Fattening and Marketing Enterprise | Nangka Women's Rural Worker Association | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2023 | Boljoon | San Antonio | Vegetable Production and Marketing Enterprise | San Antonio Farmers Association | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2023 | Malabuyoc | Mahanlud | Chicken Egg Production and Marketing Enterprise | Mahanlud Community Farmers Association (macofa) | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2023 | Malabuyoc | Tolosa (Calatagan) | Chicken Egg Production and Marketing Enterprise | Sitio Palaypay Tolosa Malabuyoc Cebu Irrigators Association, Inc. | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2023 | Pilar | Biasong | Corn and Cassava Production and Marketing Enterprise | Biasong Small Farmers And Fishermen Association | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2023 | Pilar | Imelda | Corn and Cassava Production and Marketing Enterprise | Imelda Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2023 | Ronda | Can-Abuhon | Cattle Fattening and Marketing Enterprise | Nagkahiusang Mamumuo | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2023 | Ronda | Langin | Cattle Fattening and Marketing Enterprise | Langin Intergrated Farmers Association | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2023 | Samboan | Camburoy | Chicken Egg Production and Marketing Enterprise | Camburoy Upland Farmers Association | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2023 | Samboan | San Sebastian | Goat Production and Marketing Enterprise | Dawis Farmers Association | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2023 | Tudela | Puertobello | Chicken Egg Production and Marketing Enterprise | Pasil Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2023 | Tudela | Secante Bag-O | Chicken Egg Production and Marketing Enterprise | Coco Farmers Association Of Secante Bag-o | 25 | 0.00 |
| 2024 | Alcantara | Lawaan | Goat Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Lawaan Farmers Association | 30 | 547,000.00 |
| 2024 | Alcantara | Manga | Cattle Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Mangga Farmers Association | 30 | 639,850.00 |
| 2024 | Alcoy | Nug-As | Cattle Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Nug-as Active Workers Association | 30 | 642,350.00 |
| 2024 | Alcoy | San Agustin | Goat Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Alayon (san Agustin Group) | 30 | 547,000.00 |
| 2024 | Boljoon | Nangka | Cattle Fattening with Marketing and Enterprise | Nangka Women's Rural Worker Association | 30 | 641,550.00 |
| 2024 | Boljoon | San Antonio | Vegetable Production with Marketing and Enterprise | San Antonio Farmers Association | 30 | 1,217,700.00 |
| 2024 | Malabuyoc | Mahanlud | Chicken Egg Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Mahanlud Community Farmers Association (macofa) | 30 | 461,226.00 |
| 2024 | Malabuyoc | Tolosa (Calatagan) | Chicken Egg Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Sitio Palaypay Tolosa Malabuyoc Cebu Irrigators Association, Inc. | 30 | 461,226.00 |
| 2024 | Pilar | Biasong | Corn and Cassava Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Biasong Small Farmers And Fishermen Association | 30 | 1,151,950.00 |
| 2024 | Pilar | Imelda | Corn and Cassava Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Imelda Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 30 | 1,156,950.00 |
| 2024 | Ronda | Can-Abuhon | Cattle Fattening with Marketing and Enterprise | Nagkahiusang Mamumuo | 30 | 639,450.00 |
| 2024 | Ronda | Langin | Cattle Fattening with Marketing and Enterprise | Langin Integrated Farmers Association | 30 | 639,450.00 |
| 2024 | Samboan | Camburoy | Chicken Egg Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Camburoy Upland Farmers Association | 30 | 461,266.00 |
| 2024 | Samboan | San Sebastian | Goat Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Dawis Farmers Association | 30 | 547,000.00 |
| 2024 | Tudela | Puertobello | Chicken Egg Production and Marketing Enterprise | Pasil Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 30 | 594,203.00 |
| 2024 | Tudela | Secante Bag-O | Chicken Egg Production and Marketing Enterprise | Coco Farmers Association Of Secante Bag-o | 30 | 594,203.00 |
| 2025 | Alcantara | Lawaan | Goat Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Lawaan Farmers Association | 30 | 813,200.00 |
| 2025 | Alcantara | Manga | Cattle Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Mangga Farmers Association | 30 | 1,046,600.00 |
| 2025 | Alcoy | Nug-As | Cattle Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Nug-as Active Workers Association | 30 | 749,400.00 |
| 2025 | Alcoy | San Agustin | Goat Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Alayon (san Agustin Group) | 30 | 701,700.00 |
| 2025 | Boljoon | Nangka | Cattle Fattening with Marketing and Enterprise | Nangka Women's Rural Worker Association | 30 | 643,800.00 |
| 2025 | Boljoon | San Antonio | Vegetable Production with Marketing and Enterprise | San Antonio Farmers Association | 30 | 965,800.00 |
| 2025 | Malabuyoc | Mahanlud | Chicken Egg Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Mahanlud Community Farmers Association | 30 | 1,184,794.00 |
| 2025 | Malabuyoc | Tolosa (Calatagan) | Chicken Egg Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Palaypay Farmers Association | 30 | 1,182,387.00 |
| 2025 | Pilar | Biasong | Corn and Cassava Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Biasong Small Farmers And Fishermen Association | 30 | 2,364,800.00 |
| 2025 | Pilar | Imelda | Corn and Cassava Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Imelda Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 30 | 1,445,400.00 |
| 2025 | Ronda | Can-Abuhon | Cattle Fattening with Marketing and Enterprise | Nagkahiusang Mamumuo | 30 | 749,900.00 |
| 2025 | Ronda | Langin | Cattle Fattening with Marketing and Enterprise | Langin Integrated Farmers Association | 30 | 749,900.00 |
| 2025 | Samboan | Camburoy | Chicken Egg Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Camburoy Upland Farmers Association | 30 | 1,192,993.00 |
| 2025 | Samboan | San Sebastian | Goat Production with Marketing and Enterprise | Dawis Farmers Association | 30 | 864,500.00 |
| 2025 | Tudela | Puertobello | Chicken Egg Production and Marketing Enterprise | Pasil Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 30 | 1,077,743.00 |
| 2025 | Tudela | Secante Bag-O | Chicken Egg Production and Marketing Enterprise | Coco Farmers Association Of Secante Bag-o | 30 | 1,062,343.00 |
| 2026 | Alcantara | Lawaan | GOAT PRODUCTION WITH MARKETING AND ENTERPRISE | lawaan Farmers Association | 30 | 960,350.00 |
| 2026 | Alcantara | Manga | CATTLE PRODUCTION WITH MARKETING AND ENTERPRISE | Manga Farmers Association | 30 | 854,350.00 |
| 2026 | Alcoy | Nug-As | CATTLE PRODUCTION WITH MARKETING AND ENTERPRISE | Nug-as Active Worker's Association | 30 | 850,150.00 |
| 2026 | Alcoy | San Agustin | GOAT PRODUCTION WITH MARKETING AND ENTERPRISE | Alayon (san Agustin Group) | 30 | 782,350.00 |
| 2026 | Boljoon | Nangka | CATTLE FATTENING WITH MARKETING AND ENTERPRISE | nangka Womens Rural Worker's Association | 30 | 921,750.00 |
| 2026 | Boljoon | San Antonio | VEGETABLE PRODUCTION WITH MARKETING AND ENTERPRISE | San Antonio Farmers Association | 30 | 768,700.00 |
| 2026 | Malabuyoc | Mahanlud | CHICKEN EGG PRODUCTION WITH MARKETING AND ENTERPRISE | Mahanlud Community Farmers Association | 30 | 2,222,550.00 |
| 2026 | Malabuyoc | Tolosa | CHICKEN EGG PRODUCTION WITH MARKETING AND ENTERPRISE | Palaypay Farmers Association | 30 | 2,224,620.00 |
| 2026 | Pilar | Biasong | CORN AND CASSAVA PRODUCTION WITH MARKETING AND ENTERPRISE | Biasong Small Farmers And Fishermen Association | 30 | 1,728,610.00 |
| 2026 | Pilar | Imelda | CORN AND CASSAVA PRODUCTION WITH MARKETING AND ENTERPRISE | Imelda Farmers And Fishermen Association | 30 | 1,747,310.00 |
| 2026 | Ronda | Can-Abuhon | CATTLE FATTENING WITH MARKETING AND ENTERPRISE | Nagkahiusang Mamumuo | 30 | 977,300.00 |
| 2026 | Ronda | Langin | CATTLE FATTENING WITH MARKETING AND ENTERPRISE | Langin Integrated Farmers Association | 30 | 1,842,300.00 |
| 2026 | Samboan | Camburoy | CHICKEN EGG PRODUCTION WITH MARKETING AND ENTERPRISE | Camburoy Upland Farmers Association | 30 | 1,299,550.00 |
| 2026 | Samboan | San Sebastian | GOAT PRODUCTION WITH MARKETING AND ENTERPRISE | Dawis Farmers Association | 30 | 962,750.00 |
| 2026 | Tudela | Puertobello | CHICKEN EGG PRODUCTION AND MARKETING ENTERPRISE | Pasil Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 30 | 1,202,650.00 |
| 2026 | Tudela | Secante Bag-O | CHICKEN EGG PRODUCTION AND MARKETING ENTERPRISE | Coco Farmers Association Of Secante Bag-o | 30 | 1,208,450.00 |
BFAR
The BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) SAAD (Special Area for Agricultural Development) Project is making a concerted effort to boost the fisheries sector in Cebu, particularly in its Phase 2 implementation. Recent activities highlight their focus on aquaculture development. For instance, in July 2025, BFAR SAAD distributed 40,000 bangus (milkfish) fingerlings to four fisherfolk associations in Alcantara town, aiming to strengthen bangus livelihood projects and improve beneficiaries’ living conditions. Earlier in February 2025, the Polo Fishermen Association (POFA) in Cebu, a SAAD beneficiary, reported a successful harvest of nearly 1.5 tons of bangus, generating significant revenue. These projects encompass providing livelihood packages (like fingerlings, feeds, and equipment), conducting social preparation activities, and offering marketing assistance to help fisherfolk establish sustainable community-based enterprises and enhance food security.
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Alcantara | Polo | Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | Polo Fishermen's Association | 23 | 443,952.00 |
| 2023 | Alcoy | Pasol | Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | Pasol Ninos Fisherfolks Association (pnfa) | 40 | 408,918.00 |
| 2023 | Alcoy | Poblacion | Motorized Boat (30 footer) | San Antonio De Padua Guiwang Fisherfolk Association | 22 | 374,915.00 |
| 2023 | Badian | Ginablan | Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | Ginablan Farmers And Fisherfolk Association (hisafisa) | 55 | 408,918.00 |
| 2023 | Badian | Malhiao | Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | United Farmers And Fishermens Association (uffam) | 57 | 408,918.00 |
| 2023 | Boljoon | Arbor | Fishing Gear (Drift Gill Net) | Makugihong Mananagat Sa Arbor (mamsa) | 77 | 910,393.00 |
| 2023 | Ginatilan | Poblacion | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ginatilan Fishermens Association | 61 | 405,764.00 |
| 2023 | Malabuyoc | Looc | Fishing Gear (Drift Gill Net) | San Isidro Looc Fisherfolk Association | 14 | 525,354.00 |
| 2023 | Malabuyoc | Montañeza (Inamlang) | Fishing Gear (Drift Gill Net) | Montañeza Fisherfolk Association | 43 | 374,915.00 |
| 2023 | Pilar | Moabog | Motorized Boat (30 footer) | Bantayan Fishermen Association | 54 | 411,041.00 |
| 2023 | Ronda | Canduling | Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | Nagkahiusang Mananagat Sa Canduling | 77 | 408,918.00 |
| 2023 | Ronda | Santa Cruz | Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | Baha-baha Fishermen's Association (bafai) | 51 | 408,918.00 |
| 2023 | Samboan | Suba | Fishing Gear (Drift Gill Net) | Suba Workers Association (srwa) | 42 | 525,355.00 |
| 2023 | San Francisco | Union | Motorized Boat (30 footer) | Nonoc Farmers And Fisherfolk Association (noffa) | 51 | 411,041.00 |
| 2023 | Tudela | Villahermosa | Fishing Gear (Drift Gill Net) | Fishermen Association Of Villahermosa (fav) | 40 | 411,041.00 |
| 2024 | Alcantara | Palanas | Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | Nagkahiusang Mananagat Sa Barangay Palanas (namabapa) | 17 | 605,765.00 |
| 2024 | Alcantara | Polo | Seaweed Culture | Polo Fishermen's Association (pofa) | 18 | 523,970.00 |
| 2024 | Alcoy | Guiwang | Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | San Antonio De Padua Guiwang Fisherfolk Association (saguifa) | 21 | 544,800.00 |
| 2024 | Alcoy | Pasol | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Pasol Ninos Fisherfolk Association | 48 | 291,455.00 |
| 2024 | Badian | Ginablan | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Hinablan Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 39 | 231,538.00 |
| 2024 | Badian | Malhiao | Seaweed Culture | United Farmers And Fishermen Association Of Malhiao | 78 | 351,166.00 |
| 2024 | Badian | Poblacion | Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | Dungguan Atob Fisherfolks Association (dafa) | 43 | 597,760.00 |
| 2024 | Boljoon | Arbor | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Makugihong Mananagat Sa Arbor | 95 | 142,459.00 |
| 2024 | Ginatilan | Poblacion | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ginatilan Fishermens Association | 71 | 561,670.00 |
| 2024 | Malabuyoc | Looc | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | San Isidro Fishers Of Looc | 17 | 82,541.00 |
| 2024 | Malabuyoc | Montañeza (Inamlang) | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Montañiza Fisherfolk Association | 71 | 142,459.00 |
| 2024 | Pilar | Moabog | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Bantayan Fishermen Association | 54 | 908,434.00 |
| 2024 | Ronda | Canduling | Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | Nagkahiusang Mananagat Sa Canduling | 60 | 569,655.00 |
| 2024 | Ronda | Santa Cruz | Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | Baha-baha Fishermen's Association | 50 | 803,424.00 |
| 2024 | Samboan | Poblacion | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Ponong Seaside Fisherfolk Association (posfa) | 25 | 183,266.00 |
| 2024 | Samboan | Suba | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Suba Fisherfolks Association Of Samboan (sufas) | 26 | 183,266.00 |
| 2024 | San Francisco | Union | Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | Nonoc Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 53 | 1,050,466.00 |
| 2024 | Tudela | Villahermosa | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Fishermen Association Of Villahermosa | 50 | 421,165.00 |
| 2025 | Alcantara | Palanas | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Nagkahiusang Mananagat Sa Barangay Palanas (namabapa) | 18 | 185,004.00 |
| 2025 | Alcantara | Polo | Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | Polo Fishermen Association | 15 | 685,899.00 |
| 2025 | Alcoy | Guiwang | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | San Antonio De Padua Guiwang Fisherfolks Association (saguifa) | 22 | 130,923.00 |
| 2025 | Alcoy | Pasol | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Pasol Ninos Fisherfolks Association (pnfa) | 44 | 336,860.00 |
| 2025 | Badian | Ginablan | Motorized Boat (22 footer) | Hinablan Farmers And Fishermen's Association (hifafisa) | 38 | 610,756.00 |
| 2025 | Badian | Malhiao | Seaweed Culture | United Farmers And Fishermen Association Of Malhiao | 72 | 468,042.00 |
| 2025 | Badian | Poblacion | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Dungguan Atob Fisherfolk's Association | 37 | 411,413.00 |
| 2025 | Boljoon | Arbor | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Makugihong Mananagat Sa Arbor (mamsa) | 68 | 718,265.00 |
| 2025 | Ginatilan | Poblacion | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ginatilan Fishermen's Association (gifa) | 49 | 559,751.00 |
| 2025 | Malabuyoc | Looc | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | San Isidro Fishers Of Looc | 18 | 193,130.00 |
| 2025 | Malabuyoc | Montañeza (Inamlang) | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Montañeza Fisherfolks Association (mofisa) | 44 | 193,130.00 |
| 2025 | Pilar | Moabog | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Bantayan Fishermen's Association | 32 | 293,470.00 |
| 2025 | Ronda | Canduling | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Nagkahiusang Mananagat Sa Canduling (nagmaca) | 62 | 305,797.00 |
| 2025 | Ronda | Santa Cruz | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Baha-baha Fishermen Association Inc. | 37 | 310,398.00 |
| 2025 | Samboan | Poblacion | Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | Ponong Seaside Fisherfolks Association (posfa) | 24 | 678,661.00 |
| 2025 | Samboan | Suba | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Suba Fisherfolks Association Of Samboan (sufas) | 19 | 199,867.00 |
| 2025 | San Francisco | Union | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Nonoc Farmers And Fishermen Association (noffa) | 50 | 337,354.00 |
| 2025 | Tudela | Villahermosa | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Fishermen Association Of Villahermosa (fav) | 34 | 256,470.00 |