Key officials from the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2, conducted a two-day site visit to Siargao Island last July 1–2, 2025. The visit highlighted the growing involvement of organized fisherfolk in promoting sustainable coastal livelihoods.
The engagement focused on two beneficiary associations: the Siargao Island Integrated Fisherfolk Association (SIIFA) in Del Carmen and the T-Arlan Fisherfolk Association (TAFA) in Sta. Monica. During the activity, DA-SAAD officials held in-depth consultations with the groups, underscoring the program’s bottom-up and community-centered approach.
“Sa mga nakaraang monitoring activities na aking nakasanayan, nais ko lamang pakinggan ang kwento kung paano nagsimula ang grupo at ang mga hamon na kanilang hinarap,” said SAAD National Director Ulysses J. Lustria Jr.
(In my previous monitoring activities, I have always made it a point to listen to how the group began and the challenges they have encountered along the way.)
In Del Carmen, SIIFA shared updates on its expanding capture fisheries initiative, now benefiting 150 members from five municipalities. The association received five motorized fiberglass boats, five shallow payao units, and 125 fishing gears. These interventions were paired with capacity-building activities such as organizational strengthening and digital marketing training to support their sustainability.
“Kami sa SIIFA, dako amo pasalamat sa BFAR tungod kay pinaagi sa SAAD Program, naka-avail kami ug project nga mahimong dugang tabang sa among grupo. Daghang salamat sa SAAD,” expressed SIIFA Chairperson Jerry Tonera.
(We at SIIFA are deeply thankful to BFAR because through the SAAD Program, we were able to access a project that provides additional support to our group. Many thanks to SAAD.)
Meanwhile, in Sta. Monica, TAFA shared their experience with their high-density polyethylene (HDPE) milkfish farming project. The members highlighted the start of their sales and the significance of support provided in terms of feeds and training.
“Nagpasalamat kami sa SAAD program sa ilang milkfish culture in HDPE project, nga mao kini ang among pinkaunang project nga nadawat isip mga mananagat dinhi sa Sta. Monica,” said TAFA Chairperson Emerald Dollar.
(We are thankful to the SAAD Program for the milkfish culture in the HDPE project, which is the very first project we have received as fisherfolk here in Sta. Monica.)
Accompanying Director Lustria were SAAD Deputy Director Elmer R. Esplana, DA-Caraga Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega, Field Operations Division Chief Melody M. Guimary, Surigao del Norte Provincial Fishery Officer Bimbo C. Lagare and alternate Ernanie B. Anding, BFAR-SAAD Caraga Alternate Regional Coordinator Ivy C. Antoniano, Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant Starlou Tandugon, and representatives from the municipal local government units. These partners also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting fisherfolk toward long-term project sustainability.
Beyond monitoring accomplishments, the visit also strengthened direct consultations with the communities. By maintaining open dialogue, SAAD Phase 2 ensures that fisherfolk voices continue to shape the program’s path toward inclusive coastal development and food security.
