Samar (Western Samar)

Western Samar (commonly referred to as Samar) is the western part of Samar Island in Eastern Visayas and comprises numerous coastal and upland municipalities, with Catbalogan City as its capital. The province was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 and remains prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, and landslides. Its varied terrain includes fertile valley plains, river systems, and forested uplands, but development has been slowed by challenges in infrastructure and peace and order issues.

Western Samar continues to pursue resilient rural development and infrastructure upgrades, including farm-to-market roads and irrigation systems. Collaboration with national agencies, NGOs, and SAAD programs has boosted support for vulnerable farmers and fisherfolk in remote and disaster-sensitive municipalities.

Agricultural Sector

Agriculture remains the economic mainstay of Western Samar, with a focus on rice, corn, vegetables, poultry, goat, ube, and ginger production. Between 2017‑2019, DA‑SAAD supported 4,750 farmers—now expanding Phase II interventions—providing machinery and livelihood packages. Key staples like rice and corn drive household food security and provide seasonal income, especially in lowland and upland barangays. However, climate shocks—droughts, floods, and heatwaves—pose persistent risks to yields and farmer livelihoods .

Fisheries Sector

Western Samar’s large coastal area supports a robust municipal/marine fisheries sector as well as emerging inland aquaculture. Main catches include sardines, round scad, reef fish, shellfish, and farmed species in inland ponds. The sector faces challenges of overfishing, habitat degradation, and inadequate post-harvest infrastructure. BFAR‑SAAD Phase II (2023‑2028) is delivering aquaculture kits, training, and enterprise support in GIDAs and fishing communities to enhance both production and income.

Poverty Situation

According to the latest data (2021), Western Samar has the highest poverty incidence in Eastern Visayas, with 5.92% of the population living under the international poverty threshold and 33.04% under the national poverty threshold. Historically, poverty incidence among households was nearly 40% in 2015, improving only marginally since the Yolanda aftermath. The region’s most vulnerable are those in mountainous and remote municipalities like Matuguinao (~60%).

Project Profile

DA

Under Phase II (2023–2024), DA‑SAAD in Western Samar is targeting 10 farmer groups (≈200–400 farmers) in 5th–6th class municipalities, supported by a ₱9M budget (2023) and ₱15M (2024). Livelihood packages include poultry, swine, corn, vegetable, goat, and ube production. Focused interventions aim to improve food security, profitability, and farmer organization in geographically disadvantaged areas.

Year CoveredMunicipalityBarangayProjectAssociationMembersInput Amount
2023AlmagroLunang IiVegetable ProductionBrgy. Lunang Ii Farmers And Fisherfolks Association21853,964.00
2023JiabongCasapaEgg ProductionCasapa Livestock Raisers Association (clira)20897,475.00
2023MarabutPinalangaSwine ProductionBarangay Pinalangga Fishermen And Farmers Association27904,492.00
2023MatuguinaoMahanudUpland Rice and Vegetable ProductionKauswagan Crop Farmers Association21775,201.00
2023PagsanghanCalanyuganVegetable ProductionCalanyugan Farmers Association20848,961.00
2023San SebastianCanduyucanSwine ProductionCanduyocan Farmers Association20904,491.00
2023Santo NiñoCabunga-AnVegetable ProductionCabunga-an Canipa-an Buenavista Farmers Irrigators Association Inc.20858,645.00
2023Tagapul-AnBalocaweSwine ProductionBalocawe Hog Raisers Association23904,491.00
2023TalaloraBo. IndependenciaVegetable ProductionKapit Bisig Tungo Sa Pag-unladd Ng Mamamayan Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20848,961.00
2023TalaloraBo. IndependenciaSwine ProductionTalalora Farmers Agriculture Cooperative ( Talfac)20904,492.00
2023ZumarragaSugodSwine ProductionBrgy. Sugod Lucky Women Savers' Self Help Group Association21904,492.00
2024AlmagroBacjaoSwine ProductionBrgy Bacjao Livestock Raises Association20869,700.00
2024AlmagroLunang IiSupport to Vegetable ProductionBrgy. Lunang Ii Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20264,100.00
2024JiabongCasapaSupport to Egg ProductionCasapa Livestock Raisers Association (clira)20517,500.00
2024JiabongHinagaSwine ProductionBrgy. Hinaga Women's Association20869,700.00
2024MarabutAmantilloVegetable ProductionMarabut Integrated Agricultural Producers Farmers Association20515,050.00
2024MarabutPinalangaSupport to Swine ProductionBarangay Pinalangga Fishermens And Farmers Association20301,600.00
2024MatuguinaoMaduroto Pob. (Barangay No. 3)Swine ProductionMatuguinao Swine Raisers Association20869,700.00
2024MatuguinaoMahanudSupport to Vegetable ProductionKauswagan Crop Farmers Association20264,100.00
2024PagsanghanCalanyuganSupport to Vegetable ProductionCalanyugan Farmers Association20264,100.00
2024PagsanghanVillahermosa OccidentalSwine ProductionVillahermosa Talaba Producers And Processors Association20869,700.00
2024San SebastianBalogoEgg ProductionBalogo Small Farmers And Fisherfolk Association201,166,300.00
2024San SebastianCanduyucanSupport to Swine ProductionCanduyocan Farmers Association20301,600.00
2024Santo NiñoTakutVegetable ProductionTakot Farmers Association20515,050.00
2024Tagapul-AnBaguiwEgg ProductionSan Vicente Farmers Association201,166,300.00
2024Tagapul-AnBalocaweSupport to Swine ProductionBalocawe Hog Raisers Association20301,600.00
2024TalaloraBo. IndependenciaSupport to Vegetable ProductionKapit Bisig Tungo Sa Pag-unladd Ng Mamamayan Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20264,100.00
2024TalaloraBo. IndependenciaSupport to Swine ProductionTalalora Farmers Agriculture Cooperative20301,600.00
2024TalaloraTatabunanDiversified Farming on Vegetable and Cacao ProductionTatabunan Rice Producers Association20620,550.00
2024ZumarragaAlegriaVegetable ProductionAlegria Farmers Irrigators Association Inc.20515,050.00
2024ZumarragaSugodSupport to Swine ProductionBrgy. Sugod Lucky Women Savers' Self Help Group Association20301,600.00
2025AlmagroBacjaoSupport to Swine ProductionBrgy Bacjao Livestock Raises Association20475,450.00
2025AlmagroLunang IiSupport to Egg and Vegetable Production and MarketingBrgy. Lunang Ii Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20863,600.00
2025JiabongCasapaSupport to Egg Production, Value-adding, and MarketingCasapa Livestock Raisers Association20476,750.00
2025JiabongHinagaSupport to Swine ProductionBrgy. Hinaga Women's Association20475,450.00
2025JiabongNagbacEgg ProductionNagbac Farmers Association20766,450.00
2025MarabutAmantilloSupport to Vegetable ProductionMarabut Integrated Agricultural Producers Farmers Association Inc.20737,900.00
2025MarabutPinalangaSupport to Swine Production and MarketingBarangay Pinalangga Fishermen And Farmers Association20695,550.00
2025MatuguinaoMaduroto Pob. (Barangay No. 3)Support to Swine ProductionMatuguinao Swine Raisers Association20475,450.00
2025MatuguinaoMahanudSupport to Vegetable Production and MarketingKauswagan Crop Farmers Association20385,100.00
2025PagsanghanCalanyuganSupport to Egg and Vegetable Production and MarketingCalanyugan Farmers Association20883,600.00
2025PagsanghanVillahermosa OccidentalSupport to Swine ProductionVillahermosa Talaba Producers And Processors Association20475,450.00
2025San SebastianBalogoSupport to Egg ProductionBalogo Small Farmers And Fisherfolk Association20548,050.00
2025San SebastianCanduyucanSupport to Egg ProductionCanduyocan Farmers Association20562,550.00
2025Santo NiñoCabunga-AnSupport to Vegetable ProductionCabunga-an Canipa-an Buenavista Farmers Irrigators Association Inc.20387,900.00
2025Santo NiñoTakutSupport to Vegetable ProductionTakot Farmers Association20737,900.00
2025Tagapul-AnBalocaweSupport to Swine Production and MarketingBalocawe Hog Raisers Association20689,850.00
2025Tagapul-AnSan VicenteSupport to Egg ProductionSan Vicente Farmers Association20548,050.00
2025TalaloraBo. IndependenciaSupport to Egg and Vegetable Production and MarketingKapit Bisig Tungo Sa Pag-unladd Ng Mamamayan Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20883,600.00
2025TalaloraTatabunanSupport to Diversified Farming on Vegetable and Cacao ProductionTatabunan Rice Producers Association20689,900.00
2025ZumarragaAlegriaSupport to Vegetable ProductionAlegria Farmers Irrigators Association Inc.20737,900.00
2025ZumarragaSugodEgg Production ProductionBrgy. Sugod Lucky Women Savers' Self Help Group Association20766,450.00
2026AlmagroBacjaoSupport for Swine ProductionBrgy Bacjao Livestock Raises Association20349,560.00
2026AlmagroPoblacionEgg ProductionPob. 2 Farmers And Fisherfolk Association20981,350.00
2026JiabongGarciaEgg ProductionGarcia Integrated Farmers Association20981,350.00
2026JiabongHinagaSupport for Swine ProductionBrgy. Hinaga Women's Association20349,560.00
2026JiabongNagbacSupport to Egg Production and MarketingNagbac Integrated Farmers Association20356,350.00
2026MarabutAmantilloSupport to Vegetable ProductionMarabut Integrated Agricultural Producers Farmers Association Federation Inc.20473,950.00
2026MarabutCaluwayanEgg ProductionCaluwayan Farmers Association20981,350.00
2026MatuguinaoMaduroto Pob. (Barangay No. 3)Support for Swine ProductionMatuguinao Swine Raisers Association20349,560.00
2026PagsanghanCanlapwas (Pob.)Egg ProductionCanlapwas Coconut Farmers Cooperative20981,350.00
2026PagsanghanVillahermosa OccidentalSupport for Swine ProductionVillahermosa Talaba Producers And Processors Association20349,560.00
2026San SebastianBalogoSupport to Egg Production and MarketingBalogo Small Farmers And Fisherfolk Association20653,900.00
2026San SebastianHita-Asan IEgg ProductionUnited Farmers & Fisherfolk Association20981,350.00
2026Santo NiñoBarasEgg ProductionBaras Farmers And Fisherfolk Association20981,350.00
2026Santo NiñoTakutSupport to Vegetable ProductionTakot Farmers Association20473,950.00
2026Tagapul-AnSan VicenteSupport to Egg Production and MarketingSan Vicente Farmers Association20653,900.00
2026Tagapul-AnSugod (Pob.)Egg ProductionBrgy. Sugod Livestock Raisers Association20981,350.00
2026TalaloraPoblacion Barangay 2Egg ProductionPob. 2. Integrated Vegetable Farmers Association20981,350.00
2026TalaloraTatabunanSupport to Diversified Farming on Cacao and Vegetable ProductionTatabunan Rice Producers Association20628,050.00
2026ZumarragaAlegriaSupport to Vegetable ProductionAlegria Farmers Irrigators Association Inc.20473,950.00
2026ZumarragaSugodSupport to Egg Production and MarketingBrgy. Sugod Lucky Women Savers' Self Help Group Association20356,350.00

BFAR

BFAR‑SAAD re-launched in May 2023 with a ₱486.75M fisheries program nationwide, including Western Samar. Targeting organized fisherfolk groups, the program provides social preparation, capacity building, fingerlings, aquaculture gear, and postharvest training in municipal waters and inland ponds. The goal is to develop sustainable enterprises that uplift coastal communities and strengthen food security.

Year CoveredMunicipalityBarangayProjectAssociationMembersInput Amount
2023AlmagroPanjobjoban IiFishing Gear (Shallow Payao)Pajobjoban Ii Fisherfolk Association17436,075.00
2023DaramSan RoqueMilkfish Culture in HDPE CageAssociation Of Guso, Bangus, And Tahong Grower (agbatg)121,000,000.00
2023GandaraPologonTilapia Culture in Bamboo CagePohicadesa Irrigators Association, Incorporation19299,800.00
2023JiabongBarangay No. 3 (Pob.)Grouper Culture in CageKasipagan Small Fishermen Association15133,450.00
2023JiabongJia-AnGrouper Culture in CageBarangay Jia-an Tahong Association31133,450.00
2023JiabongMalobago (Villalinda)Grouper Culture in CageMalobago Integrated Rural Farmer's Association16133,450.00
2023MarabutCaluwayanFishing Gear (Shallow Payao)Timpag Fisherfolk Association30436,075.00
2023MarabutTagalagTilapia Culture in PondTagalag Farmers And Fisherfolks Association2655,695.00
2023MotiongPoblacion IGrouper Culture in CageMalatogawe Farmers And Fisherfolk Association22400,350.00
2023PagsanghanBangonMangrove Crab CultureBarangay Bangon Agriculture And Fisherfolk Cooperative23490,000.00
2023PinabacdaoBarangay Ii (Pob.)Grouper Culture in CageBrgy. 2 Farmer's And Fisherfolk Association16400,350.00
2023San SebastianPoblacion Barangay 2Grouper Culture in CageSan Sebastian Marine Producer15667,250.00
2023Santa RitaAnibonganTilapia Culture in Bamboo CageOrmocanay Small Water Impounding Farmers Association15299,800.00
2023Santa RitaBinanalanTilapia Culture in PondBinanalan And Sitio Hitaas Farmers Association1792,825.00
2023Santo NiñoBasud (Pob.)Milkfish Culture in HDPE CageSto. Nino Marginal Fisherfolk Association153,090,000.00
2023Tagapul-AnBalocaweFishing Gear (Shallow Payao)Balocawe Hog Raiser Association14436,075.00
2023TalaloraPoblacion Barangay 2Grouper Culture in CageSitio Sabang Fisherfolks Association18667,250.00
2023TarangnanPoblacion BGrouper Culture in CageBrgy. Poblacion B Fishcage Association11400,350.00
2023VillarealPangpangGrouper Culture in CageSitio Sabang Farmers And Fisherfolks Association13400,350.00
2023ZumarragaBuntayMilkfish Culture in HDPE CageBuntay Fisherfolk Association91,000,000.00
2024AlmagroPanjobjoban IiFishing gear (Hook and line) in support to Fishing gear (Shallow Payao)Pajobjoban Ii Fisherfolks Association35185,323.20
2024DaramCandugueFishing gear (Shallow Payao)Barangay Candugue Fisherfolk Association19526,000.00
2024DaramYangtaMilkfish Culture in HDPE CageBarangay Yangta Fisherfolks Association221,298,915.96
2024MarabutTagalagTilapia Culture in PondTagalag Fisherfolks And Farmers Association1524,840.00
2024Santo NiñoBasud (Pob.)Fishing gear (Shallow Payao) in support to Milkfish Culture in CageSto.nino Marginal Fisherfolks Association15873,010.70
2024Tagapul-AnBalocaweFishing gear (Shallow Payao)Balocawe Hog Raiser Association22873,010.70
2024TalaloraPoblacion Barangay 1Milkfish Culture in HDPE CageKapit Bisig Tungo Sa Pag-unlad Ng Mamayanan Farmers And Fisherfolks Association131,298,915.96
2024TalaloraPoblacion Barangay 2Milkfish Culture in HDPE CageSitio Sabang Fisherfolks Association121,414,936.00
2024TarangnanPoblacion BMilkfish Culture in HDPE Cage in support to Grouper Culture in CageBarangay Poblacion B Fish Cage Association111,414,936.00
2024VillarealBanquilMilkfish Culture in HDPE CageSitio Bonga Small Fisherfolks Association191,298,915.96
2025AlmagroPanjobjoban IiMotorized boat (22 footer) in support to Fishing gear (Shallow payao)Pajobjoban Ii Fisherfolks Association56244,914.00
2025DaramBaclayanMilkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Baclayan Fisherfolks Association19699,500.00
2025DaramCandugueMotorized boat (22 footer) in support to Fishing gear (Shallow payao)Candugue Fisherfolks Association1982,162.00
2025DaramYangtaMilkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Brgy. Yangta Fisherfolks Association35734,995.00
2025GandaraCalirocanTilapia Culture in PondCalicoran Farmers Association15294,000.00
2025JiabongJia-AnGrouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5Barangay Jia-an Tahong Association21168,333.00
2025JiabongMalobago (Villalinda)Grouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5Malobogo Integrated Rural Farmers Association12244,333.00
2025MarabutCaluwayanMotorized boat (22 footer) in support to Fishing gear (Shallow payao)Timpag Fisherfolk Association15320,914.00
2025MarabutTagalagTilapia Culture in PondTagalag Fisherfolks And Farmers Association1524,820.00
2025MotiongMalobagoGrouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5Kasipagan Small Fishermen Association16168,333.00
2025MotiongPoblacion IGrouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5Malatugawe Farmers And Fisherfolks Association14168,333.00
2025PagsanghanBangonMangrove Crab CultureBarangay Bangon Agricultural And Fisherfolks Corperative24350,000.00
2025PinabacdaoBarangay Ii (Pob.)Grouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5Brgy. 2 Poblacion Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20168,333.00
2025San SebastianPoblacion Barangay 2Grouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5San Sebastian Marine Producers Association331,486,880.00
2025Santa RitaAnibonganTilapia Culture in Bamboo Cage 8x8x5.5Ormocanay Small Water Impounding Farmers Association15249,000.00
2025Santa RitaBinanalanTilapia Culture in PondBinanalan And Sitio Hitaas Farmers Association1924,820.00
2025Santo NiñoBasud (Pob.)Milkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Sto. Nino Marginal Fisherfolks Association16627,745.00
2025Tagapul-AnBalocaweMotorized boat (22 footer) and Fishing gear (Shallow payao)Brgy. Labangbaybay Fish Sardines Workers Association15244,914.00
2025TalaloraPoblacion Barangay 2Milkfish Culture in HDPE Cage in support to Grouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5Sitio Sabang Fisherfolk Association16527,745.00
2025TalaloraPoblacion Barangay 2Milkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Kapit Bisig Tungo Sa Pag-unlad Ng Mamayan Farmers And And Fisherfolks Association21527,745.00
2025TarangnanPoblacion BMilkfish Culture in HDPE Cage in support to Grouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5Barangay Poblacion B, Fishcage Association12627,745.00
2025VillarealBanquilMilkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Sitio Bonga Fisherfolk Association19527,745.00
2025VillarealPangpangGrouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5Sitio Sarang Farmers And Fisherfolks Association9168,333.00
2025ZumarragaBuntayMilkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Buntay Fisherfolk Association7734,995.00
2026AlmagroPanjobjoban IiYr1and 2 Support to Shallow Water PayaoPajobjoban Ii Fisherfolks Association56370,032.00
2026DaramBaclayanMilkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Baclayan Fisherfolks Association19354,115.00
2026DaramCandugueMotorized boat (22-footer) in support to Fishing gear (Shallow payao)Candugue Fisherfolks Association19285,916.00
2026DaramYangtaMilkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Brgy. Yangta Fisherfolks Association35519,215.00
2026GandaraCalirocanTilapia Culture in PondCalicoran Farmers Association15230,706.00
2026JiabongJia-AnGrouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5Kasipagan Small Fishermen Association16223,577.00
2026JiabongJia-AnGrouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5Barangay Jia-an Tahong Association21223,577.00
2026JiabongMalobago (Villalinda)Grouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5Malobogo Integrated Rural Farmers Association12223,577.00
2026MarabutCaluwayanYr2 Support to Shallow Water PayaoTimpag Fisherfolk Association15216,482.00
2026MarabutTagalagTilapia Culture in PondTagalag Fisherfolks And Farmers Association1572,096.00
2026MotiongPoblacion IGrouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5Malatugawe Farmers And Fisherfolks Association14223,577.00
2026PagsanghanBangonYr1 Support to Mangrove Crab Production in PondBarangay Bangon Agricultural And Fisherfolks Corperative24466,074.00
2026PinabacdaoBarangay Ii (Pob.)Grouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5Brgy. 2 Poblacion Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20223,577.00
2026San SebastianPoblacion Barangay 2Grouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5San Sebastian Marine Producers Association332,878,386.00
2026Santa RitaAnibonganTilapia Culture in Bamboo Cage 8x8x5.5Ormocanay Small Water Impounding Farmers Association15154,706.00
2026Santa RitaBinanalanTilapia Culture in PondBinanalan And Sitio Hitaas Farmers Association1948,064.00
2026Santo NiñoBasud (Pob.)Milkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Sto. Nino Marginal Fisherfolk Association16451,615.00
2026Tagapul-AnBalocaweYr1and 2 Support to Shallow Water PayaoBrgy. Labangbaybay Fish Sardines Workers Association15370,032.00
2026TalaloraPoblacion Barangay 1Milkfish Culture in HDPE Cage in support to Grouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5Sitio Sabang Fisherfolk Association16451,615.00
2026TalaloraPoblacion Barangay 2Milkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Kapit Bisig Tungo Sa Pag-unlad Ng Mamayan Farmers And And Fisherfolks Association21550,415.00
2026TarangnanPoblacion BYr 2 Support to Bangus Production in HDPE CageBarangay Poblacion B, Fishcage Association12451,615.00
2026VillarealBanquilMilkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Sitio Bonga Fisherfolk Association19451,615.00
2026VillarealPangpangGrouper Culture in Cage 4x4x5Sitio Sarang Farmers And Fisherfolks Association9223,577.00
2026ZumarragaBuntayMilkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Buntay Fisherfolk Association14529,615.00