BFAR - SAAD Northern Mindanao

17/10/2025

🎉 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐋𝐘 𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐒 (𝐑𝐅𝐏𝐬)! 🎉

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II, Region 10, proudly celebrates the success of our dedicated team members who have recently passed the Registered Fisheries Professional (RFP) Board Examination!

Your achievement is a testament to your hard work, passion, and commitment to advancing the fisheries sector and serving our fisherfolk communities.

We take great pride in your accomplishment and look forward to your continued excellence as you contribute to the sustainable development of our fisheries industry.

👏 Congratulations, Fisheries Professionals!
Your success is our shared victory. 💪✨

14/10/2025

𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 | Eight fisherfolk groups under the SAAD Program Phase 2 of BFAR Northern Mindanao were equipped with a deeper understanding of the key principles of effective leadership, decision-making, and collaborative teamwork within a cooperative framework. They also engaged in practical exercises and hands-on activities designed to develop essential skills in conflict resolution, project planning, financial management, and fostering a spirit of collaboration to strengthen their respective fisherfolk organizations.

𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲? 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆!
https://tinyurl.com/SAADLDNLeadershipTraining
https://tinyurl.com/SAADLDNLeadershipTraining

08/10/2025

𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 | SAAD Program Phase 2, through the Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) in Lanao del Norte, recently distributed 393,000 tilapia fingerlings to the upland municipalities of Tangcal, Munai, Tagoloan, Matungao, Baloi, and Magsaysay. The provision also included 1,015 bags of initial feeds and 168 bags of agricultural supplies, benefiting 243 members who are now better equipped to enhance pond culture practices, increase fish production, and strengthen food security and livelihood opportunities in their communities.

In addition, 25,000 bangus fingerlings and 140 bags of initial feeds were turned over to the coastal municipality of Linamon to support the operation of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cage system, further expanding aquaculture productivity in the province.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲:
https://tinyurl.com/LDN2025LivelihoodIntervention
https://tinyurl.com/LDN2025LivelihoodIntervention

07/10/2025

BFAR - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program

07/10/2025

DA - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program

#𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃: Activities under Social Preparation (Part 2)

Every program becomes meaningful when it responds directly to the needs of its intended beneficiaries. For SAAD, this starts with Social Preparation (SocPrep) — a vital component that lays the groundwork for effective planning and project implementation.

Another sub-component of SocPrep is the 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴, which takes on two activities:

1. 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 – Involves gathering basic socio-economic information from farmers and fisherfolk, using data from reliable sources such as the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and FishR.

This process doesn’t just collect names or addresses—it tells the story of who the beneficiaries are, what they do, and what they need.

2. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 – Once beneficiaries are identified, the next step is accountability and traceability. Through Project Tagging, every intervention or assistance given is systematically linked to the specific recipient. This means that every input, whether it’s livestock, equipment, or training can be tracked back to where and to whom it was delivered.

More than a monitoring tool, it also helps SAAD keep an organized record of all implemented projects, ensuring that resources are maximized and duplication of assistance is avoided.

Stay informed and !

06/10/2025

𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 | Moving from traditional fishing to a fish-farming livelihood, the Matangad Fishermen's Cooperative (MaFCo) kicked off this year’s livelihood initiative with its Bangus (milkfish) culture-in-cage project under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 10 (BFAR-10).

The intervention gave a significant boost to the cooperative’s operations through a package valued at over Php 1.1 million, which includes a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) cage, 10,000 bangus fingerlings, and a complete set of commercial fish feed good for one cropping cycle.

This initiative, a key component of BFAR-10’s SAAD Program Phase 2, aims to empower small-scale fisherfolk and improve their livelihoods by diversifying income sources through sustainable, modern fish farming practices. The project not only strengthens food security in the community but also provides a stable alternative to traditional fishing, which is vulnerable to seasonal changes and overfishing.

𝙁𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬:

03/10/2025

BFAR - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program

HUGMACA, a fisherfolk association in Caluya, Misamis Occidental, harvested 3.5 tons of bangus last year, generating a net income of ₱432,250. With the income gained from this successful harvest, they launched a self-funded bangus cage culture project by reinvesting in fingerlings. They stocked 10,000 fingerlings in bamboo cages, aiming for another harvest by year-end. This initiative highlights their dedication to sustainability and unity, strengthening their organizational capacity and serving as a resilient model for local fisherfolk communities.

Discover the full scoop of this story here: https://tinyurl.com/FromSupportToSustainability

For more information about the Program, visit our WEBSITE: https://saad.bfar.da.gov.ph/
——
About DA-BFAR SAAD Phase 2:
The Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-BFAR SAAD) Program Phase 2 aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and support for poor fishing sectors. These interventions intend to complement the DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. The BFAR-SAAD strives to enhance food security and promote economic growth in targeted areas across the Philippines.

𝑺𝑨𝑨𝑫, 𝒌𝒂𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒚 𝒔𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒖𝒏𝒍𝒂𝒅 𝒏𝒂 𝒃𝒖𝒉𝒂𝒚.

02/10/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐎 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

Driven by last year’s harvest of 3.8 tons of bangus from a stocking density of only 7,500 fingerlings, the Cagay-anon SAAD Fisherfolk Organization (CASAFO) in Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental, has scaled up this year’s livelihood project by stocking 10,000 bangus fingerlings in a 10m x 10m bamboo cage.

Now on their second cropping cycle and third year of receiving assistance under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2, the group conveyed their gratitude for the provision of fingerlings and commercial feeds, which they believe, along with their hard work and dedication, will help sustain and expand their Bangus-in-Bamboo culture project.

CASAFO President Antonio D. Caylan shared that their previous success motivated them to increase their stocking density this year, which they believe the lessons and expertise acquired from earlier cycles will help ensure improved harvests.

“Ang among determinasyon ug panaghiusa mao’y naghatag kinabuhi sa matag interbensyon nga gihatag kanamo. Sa matag cycle, among gitinguha dili lamang ang pagpalambo sa produksyon sa isda apan usab ang pagpangusog sa among asosasyon ug pagpauswag sa among panginabuhian,” Caylan said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Felix L. Mejos, SAAD Alternate Focal Person from the Provincial Fishery Office of Misamis Occidental, underscored the need to acclimatize the fingerlings for 15–30 minutes before release. He explained that this practice addresses the difference in salinity levels between the transport source and the local waters of Sinacaban, helping prevent mortality and ensuring a higher survival rate.

The fingerlings, sourced from the Northern Mindanao Brackishwater Aquaculture Development and Training Center (NMBADTC) in Lala, Lanao del Norte, were safely delivered to Sinacaban with logistical support from the Local Government Unit (LGU).

Strengthened by cooperation and teamwork, CASAFO now looks forward to greater harvests and improved income for its members.

01/10/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2, officially turned over post-harvest materials worth P38,250 to the Punta Catarman Community Fishing Association (PCCFA).

The package includes eight (8) HDPE ice cooler boxes (65-liter capacity), one (1) analog weighing scale (50-kg capacity), and five (5) pails, which will aid the association in handling, storing, and marketing their fish catch more efficiently.

Grateful for the support, PCCFA President Paulito B. Bana said “Dako kaayo ang among pasalamat sa SAAD Program Phase 2 sa paghatag niini nga dugang mga materyales nga among magamit aron mapalambo pa ang mga kalihokan sa among asosasyon. Daghang salamat usab sa BFAR sa ilang makanunayong suporta.”
[We are grateful to the SAAD Program Phase 2 for providing these additional materials that we can use to further enhance our association’s activities. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to BFAR for their unwavering support.]

The activity was attended by PCCFA beneficiaries, personnel from the Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) of Camiguin, headed by Provincial Fishery Officer Mark Alphonse A. Buniel, and Mr. Joseph Navales of the Municipal Agricultural Office (MAO) in Catarman, who reaffirmed their support for the association.

Through these interventions, BFAR-SAAD continues to empower fisherfolk in Camiguin by improving fish product quality, reducing post-harvest losses, and strengthening community-based enterprises.

01/10/2025

Kaisa ang Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program sa pagdiriwang ng 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐨 𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨, na nagbibigay-pugay sa ating mga lolo at lola na nagsisilbing haligi ng karunungan at inspirasyon sa bawat henerasyon.

Sa temang “Embracing Age: Living a Life with Dignity and Purpose,” itinatampok ang kanilang tibay at sakripisyo bilang mahalagang bahagi ng paghubog at pagpapatatag ng pamayanan.

Sa mga kanayunan, patuloy na sinusuportahan ng SAAD Program ang ating mga nakatatandang magsasaka at mangingisda upang manatili silang aktibong katuwang sa agrikultura, at sa pagpapatatag ng isang mas matatag at inklusibong lipunan.

24/09/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2, conducted training on the operation and management of bangus culture in a 10m x 10m modular cage with four 5m x 5m compartments on September 17, 2025, in Benoni, Mahinog, Camiguin.

Facilitated by Ms. Arianne Mae Ortigo, the session equipped members of the United Fisherfolk Organization of Cantaan (UFOC) and the Benoni Fisherfolk Association (BFA) with technical skills and practical knowledge to improve aquaculture production and livelihood opportunities.

This initiative introduces durable and sustainable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) cages as an alternative to traditional bamboo structures, promoting innovation and long-term productivity for fisherfolk communities in Camiguin.

Also present during the activity were Kevin John L. Dagaraga, SAAD Alternate Focal; Jev Jev L. Maestre, SAAD Community Organizer; and Mark Bryan J. Calabroso, SAAD Area Coordinator, who provided on-ground support and coordination to ensure the smooth implementation of the training.

23/09/2025

𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 | The Benoni Fisherfolk Association (BFA) in Mahinog and the United Fisherfolk Organization of Cantaan (UFOC) in Guinsiliban, Camiguin each received an initial batch of 2,500 bangus fingerlings, along with a complete set of fish feed for the entire cropping cycle. These fingerlings were stocked in two compartments of a 10m x 10m High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) modular cage. After two months, another batch will be introduced into the remaining two compartments to ensure continuous and sustainable production.

This staggered stocking approach ensures a steady supply of fish for both harvest and market, provides better cash flow for the fisherfolk associations, and minimizes the risks associated with harvesting all fish at once. With proper care and management, the associations are expected to achieve multiple harvests throughout the year, creating a stable and reliable source of income for their members.

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗽 𝗯𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲!
https://tinyurl.com/CamiguinSAAD
https://tinyurl.com/CamiguinSAAD