BFAR SAAD Central Visayas

04/08/2026

Sharing from BFAR - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑-𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃!

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Program Phase II has been recognized as one of the top-performing locally funded projects by the Department of Agriculture - Special Projects Coordination and Management Assistance Division (DA-SPCMAD). For the first semester of CY 2026, the Program earned an impressive 97.56% performance rating under the Special Projects Monitoring and Evaluation Tool (SPMET), officially awarded during the Midyear Assessment held in Diliman, Quezon City last July 31, 2026.

This recognition reflects the teamwork and shared commitment of the Program's implementers, who continue to work hand in hand to keep the program moving forward. With this achievement as added inspiration, the team remains committed to excellence in implementation and firm in its mission: to help reduce poverty by advancing fisheries development initiatives that bring lasting, meaningful change to coastal and fisherfolk communities.

Mabuhay ang sektor ng Pangisdaan!

03/08/2026

Happy Birthday to Mr. Candido T. Samijon, our BFAR 7 Officer-in-Charge in the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division (FPSSD) and SAAD Phase 2 Regional Assistant Focal Person!

On your special day, we extend our warmest greetings and heartfelt appreciation for your steadfast leadership, dedication, and commitment to advancing the fisheries sector and uplifting the lives of our fisherfolk communities.

May this new year of your life be filled with good health, abundant blessings, wisdom, and continued success as you lead with excellence and inspire those around you.

From your BFAR 7 – SAAD Phase 2 Family, we wish you a truly wonderful birthday and a fulfilling year ahead.

Happy Birthday, Sir Didoy! 🎉🎂🎈

03/08/2026

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 | 𝐆𝐈𝐅𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

Ginatilan, Cebu – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 7 (BFAR-7), through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program, successfully conducted a three-day Integrated Training Workshop on RISE SAADpreneurs Course 1: Entrepreneurial Mind Setting and Values Formation and Course 2: Financial Management, Bookkeeping, Basic Accounting, and MS Excel Operations for the members and officers of the Ginatilan Fishermen's Association (GIFA) in Barangay Poblacion, Ginatilan, Cebu.

The activity aimed to enhance the entrepreneurial mindset and financial management capabilities of the association, equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills to effectively manage and sustain their community-based livelihood enterprise.

Throughout the workshop, participants took part in interactive lectures, group discussions, and hands-on exercises focusing on entrepreneurship, values formation, financial literacy, bookkeeping, basic accounting, and the use of Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets for enterprise record-keeping. The sessions emphasized the value of sound financial management, transparency, and accurate documentation as essential components of a sustainable and well-managed organization.

Building on these discussions, participants engaged in practical workshops on preparing MAED financial forms, including sales and expense records and financial statements. They strengthened their skills in recording financial transactions, organizing business documents, and generating reports that support informed decision-making and organizational accountability.

To culminate the training, participants presented their completed financial reports for validation and received constructive feedback to further improve their record-keeping practices. The activity concluded with a synthesis session, the awarding of certificates, and an ocular visit to the association's fish cage and fishpond production areas to assess existing livelihood projects and identify opportunities for enterprise enhancement.

As BFAR-7 SAAD Phase II continues to invest in the development of fisherfolk organizations across Central Visayas, initiatives such as the RISE SAADpreneurs Training reinforce the program's goal of building resilient, self-reliant, and market-oriented community enterprises. Through continuous learning and technical support, beneficiary associations are better equipped to achieve sustainable growth, improve their organizational performance, and create lasting economic opportunities for their members. # # #

"𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃, 𝐊𝐚𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐲."

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.

Field Report and Photos: PPMSO - Cebu

01/08/2026

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 | 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑 7–𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃, 𝐁𝐈𝐒𝐔 𝐏𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 2028 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐚 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐏𝐞𝐬𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐲

Tagbilaran City – Pioneer BS Entrepreneurship interns of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 7 – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program formally conducted a courtesy call and entry protocol in the Municipality of Loay, Bohol, on July 23–24, 2026, as part of the implementation of the Adopt-a-SAAD Association Program (ASAP) under the Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) Component.

The activity was participated in by the pioneer BFAR 7–SAAD Phase II interns: Eliza Lou D. Apostol, Mary Jane C. Lolor, Annabel P. Delmonte, Rasell M. Tan, and Ivan Dave A. Igcas, together with the BFAR 7–SAAD Phase II Team, BISU-College of Business and Management Dean Rizaleth Mepieza, and Entrepreneurship Chairperson Ruth Peligrino.

As part of the entry protocol, the delegation paid a courtesy call to Loay Mayor Hilario L. Ayuban to formally introduce the Adopt-a-SAAD Association Program. During the meeting, the team presented the program's objectives, highlighting the partnership between BFAR Region 7 and Bohol Island State University (BISU), where faculty members and student interns provide technical, entrepreneurial, and enterprise development assistance to their adopted partner association, the Loay Fisherfolk Association (LOFA).

The interns were likewise formally introduced to the officers and members of LOFA during the Rise SAADpreneurs Training conducted on July 23–24, 2026. Through this initiative, the interns will work closely with the association in developing sustainable enterprise opportunities, strengthening organizational capacity, and supporting the community's long-term livelihood development under the SAAD Phase II Program.

The Adopt-a-SAAD Association Program is a collaborative initiative that will run until 2028, with the primary objective of transforming the Loay Fisherfolk Association (LOFA) into a fully established Community-Based Enterprise (CBE). By the end of the program, LOFA is envisioned to establish and sustainably operate fish processing and food retail enterprises, generate millions in enterprise revenues, and evolve into an empowered and self-sustaining cooperative capable of creating lasting economic opportunities for its members and the community.

The Adopt-a-SAAD Association Program serves as a collaborative platform between BFAR and academic institutions, allowing Entrepreneurship and Business Administration students to apply their knowledge through community immersion while assisting fisherfolk organizations in advancing enterprise development, fostering innovation, and building resilient, market-oriented community enterprises under the SAAD Phase II Program. # # #

"𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃, 𝐊𝐚𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐲."

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.

Field Report and Photos: RPMSO

31/07/2026

𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 | 𝐏𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑-7 𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐈𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐚 𝐂𝐀𝐅𝐀

Corella, Bohol – Ang Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 7 (BFAR-7), pinaagi sa Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program, nagpahigayon og field monitoring activity ug site validation sa Corella Aqua Farmers Association (CAFA) sa Barangay Poblacion, Corella, Bohol.

Ang maong kalihokan kabahin sa padayon nga paningkamot sa BFAR-7 SAAD Phase II sa pagmonitor sa implementasyon sa mga livelihood interventions ug paghatag og teknikal nga suporta sa mga fisherfolk associations nga benepisyaryo sa programa.

Ang monitoring ug validation nagtumong sa pag-assess sa paggamit ug kasamtangang kahimtang sa mga livelihood interventions nga gihatag sa asosasyon, pagsusi sa kahimtang sa ilang aquaculture project, ug pagkuha og mga update kabahin sa pagdumala ug pagkamalungtaron sa ilang livelihood enterprise.

Pinaagi sa regular nga monitoring ug teknikal nga pagtabang, padayon nga gipalig-on sa BFAR-7 SAAD Phase II ang pakigtambayayong niini sa mga benepisyaryong fisherfolk organizations pinaagi sa paghatag og giya, suporta, ug mga rekomendasyon aron mapalambo ang implementasyon sa proyekto ug mapalig-on ang pagdumala sa ilang mga panginabuhian.

Nahimo usab kining higayona aron makigpulong sa mga miyembro sa asosasyon, mailhan ang ilang mga panginahanglan ug mga kabalaka, ug mapalig-on pa ang implementasyon sa ilang livelihood project aron masiguro ang dugayng pagkamalungtaron niini ug makatampo sa pagpauswag sa panginabuhian sa tibuok komunidad. # # #

"𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃, 𝐊𝐚𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐲."

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.

Field Report and Photos: RPMSO

31/07/2026

𝑴𝒂'𝒂𝒎 𝑬𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏,

Thank you for your kindness, creativity, and unwavering dedication that have inspired us all. We are truly grateful for everything you've shared with us and for the positive impact you've made in our lives.

Wishing you a birthday filled with love, joy, good health, and countless blessings. You deserve all the happiness today and always.

Happy Birthday, Ma'am Ellen! 💙

30/07/2026

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 | After more than four decades of dedicated public service, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 7 (BFAR-7), through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program, proudly honored Ms. Elena L. Ylanan, SAAD Phase II Regional Assistant Focal Person, during her Retirement Celebration held on July 15, 2026, at the Central Visayas Multi-Species Nursery Demonstration and Training Center (CVMNDTC) in Bentig, Calape, Bohol.

The celebration was a heartfelt tribute to Ms. Ylanan's remarkable 44 years of unwavering commitment, exemplary leadership, and invaluable contributions to the fisheries sector. Throughout her career, she inspired colleagues through her dedication, integrity, and passion for serving Filipino fisherfolk and coastal communities.

Heartfelt messages of gratitude, touching tributes, and cherished memories filled the celebration, reflecting the lasting impact she has made on her fellow public servants and the countless communities she has served over the years.

As she embarks on a new chapter beyond government service, the entire BFAR-7 SAAD Phase II family extends its sincerest appreciation and warmest wishes for a retirement filled with good health, happiness, and meaningful moments with her family and loved ones.

Thank you for your extraordinary 44 years of service, Ma'am Elena. Your legacy of excellence, leadership, and commitment to public service will continue to inspire generations of fisheries workers.

Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! 💙🎉

28/07/2026

Sharing from BFAR - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program

27/07/2026

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 | 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐨 𝐃𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐤 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐌𝐀𝐄𝐃 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐥-𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲

Alcoy, Cebu – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 7 (BFAR-7), through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program, successfully conducted a two-day Market Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) Roll-out and Marketing Survey for the San Antonio de Padua Guiwang Fisherfolk Association (SAGUIFA), in Barangay Guiwang, Alcoy, Cebu.

Ms. Luke Chelle Ramos, a barangay staff member, delivered a message of support, encouraging the association members to responsibly manage and sustain the project entrusted to them by the Bureau. Representatives from the Local Government Unit (LGU) also attended the activity and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the association's development initiatives.

The MAED roll-out was facilitated by Jeselle M. Jabines and Aize P. Escobido. To maximize participation and efficiently utilize the available time, the association members were divided into two groups. The first group remained at the training venue to work on the Production Assumptions, Beneficiary Counterpart, Cash Flow, and Profitability Assessment. During the workshop, the association's financial records from 2023 to the present were thoroughly reviewed and validated, with expenditures carefully examined to ensure the accuracy of the financial analysis.

Meanwhile, the second group conducted benchmarking and market identification activities at the Alcoy Public Market and Dalaguete Public Market. Led by Aize P. Escobido, the participants assessed prevailing market conditions, identified potential buyers and competitors, and gathered relevant market information to support the development of more effective marketing strategies for the association's products.

The results of the workshop sessions and field activities were presented and discussed. The presentations highlighted the association's operational accomplishments and provided a comprehensive assessment of its financial and enterprise performance. Findings from the financial analysis, together with the validated production assumptions, indicated positive project performance and demonstrated the association's sound financial management. The assessment further showed that with the consistent implementation of two production cycles (croppings) annually, the association has the capacity to independently operate and sustain its enterprise.

The activity concluded with the formulation of recommendations to further improve the association's enterprise operations and marketing strategies. Through continued technical assistance and capacity-building interventions under the BFAR-SAAD Phase II Program, SAGUIFA is expected to strengthen its business operations, improve profitability, and ensure the long-term sustainability of its livelihood enterprise.

The activity aimed to strengthen the association's capacity in enterprise management by assessing its financial performance, validating production assumptions, and identifying market opportunities to support the long-term sustainability of its livelihood project. It also forms part of BFAR-SAAD Phase II's continuing efforts to enhance community-based enterprises and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities among fisherfolk beneficiaries. # # #

"𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃, 𝐊𝐚𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐲."

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.

27/07/2026

𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐎𝐊𝐀𝐋 | 𝐆𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠-𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐅𝐀) 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐤𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐨 𝐬𝐚 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞-𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐚𝐠𝐢 𝐬𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

Talibon, Bohol – Malampusong gipahigayon sa Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 7 (BFAR-7), pinaagi sa Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) Bohol ubos sa Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program, ang Post-Harvest, Fish Processing, ug Value-Adding Training alang sa mga miyembro sa Tabon Seaweeds Farmers Association (TASFA) sa Sitio Tabon, Barangay San Francisco, Talibon, Bohol.

Mikabat sa 30 ka miyembro sa asosasyon ang aktibong mitambong sa maong pagbansay, nga nagtumong sa pagpalig-on sa ilang kahibalo ug kahanas sa husto nga post-harvest handling, fish processing, ug value-adding.

Kabahin kini sa padayon nga pasalig sa BFAR7-SAAD Phase II sa pagpauswag sa kahimtang sa panginabuhian sa mga benepisyaryong mangingisda pinaagi sa pagpalambo sa ilang kahanas sa pagdumala sa negosyo ug pagdasig sa value-adding enterprises nga makahatag og malungtarong kita.

Atol sa hands-on training, nakakat-on ang mga partisipante sa husto nga pamaagi sa pagproseso sa bangus ngadto sa nagkalainlaing mapamaligyang produkto sama sa Deboned Bangus, Bangus Tempura, Bangus Fish Balls, Bangus Sausage, Bangus Chips, ug Bangus Chicharon.

Ang praktikal nga demonstrasyon naghatag kanila sa gikinahanglang kahanas aron makahimo og dekalidad ug value-added nga mga produkto nga mahimong dugang tinubdan sa kita alang sa ilang mga pamilya ug sa asosasyon.

Ang pagbansay gipangunahan ni Marcelo Carlo Ocampo sa Fisheries Production and Support Services Division (FPSSD) – Post-Harvest Section sa BFAR-7, uban ni Grace M. Tumpalan, Post-Harvest Focal Person sa BFAR Provincial Fisheries Office Bohol. Gipaambit nila ang ilang teknikal nga kahibalo bahin sa husto nga fish processing, food safety, sanitation, ug quality control aron masiguro nga ang mga produkto makab-ot ang angay nga kalidad alang sa pagpamaligya.

Pinaagi sa padayon nga mga capability-building initiatives, gilauman nga mapahimuslan sa mga miyembro sa TASFA ang ilang mga proyekto sa pangisdaan samtang mapalapdan usab ang mga oportunidad sa lokal nga product development ug mas maayong market access. # # #

"𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃, 𝐊𝐚𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐲."

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.

Field Report and Photos: PPMSO - Bohol