LIVELIHOOD INITIATIVE. A pack of smoked fish locally known as "tinapa" processed by a fisherfolk association in Sorsogon province. At least six fisherfolk associations in the Bicol Region earned PHP112,290 this January from their aquaculture livelihood projects implemented under the Special Area for Agricultural Development program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Bicol. (Photo courtesy of BFAR-Bicol)
LEGAZPI CITY – At least six fisherfolk associations in the Bicol Region earned PHP112,290 this month from their aquaculture livelihood initiatives projects implemented under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Bicol's (BFAR-5) Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program.
In a report on Wednesday, Rowena Briones, BFAR-Bicol spokesperson, said the SAAD program aimed to reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of fisherfolk and their communities by providing support and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
"These interventions aim to support Department of Agriculture's (DA's) banner programs and help beneficiaries reap the fruits of their labor and have additional income," Briones said.
She said the various fisherfolk associations that benefitted from aquaculture initiatives from SAAD Bicol harvested their products on different harvest days.
In Castilla, Sorsogon province, the Poblacion Unified Fisherfolk Association (PUFA) produced "tinapa" or smoked fish and processed 46 kilograms of big-eyed scads or "matambaka" and 20 kilograms of red-tail scads or "galunggong".
The Sta. Magdalena Fisherfolk Association (SMFA) of Sta. Magdalena also in Sorsogon harvested 76 kilograms of "bangus" or milkfish, while the Carriedo Milabigan Farmers and Fisherfolk Association (CAMIFFA) of Irosin town harvested 286 kilograms of tilapia in two days.
In Catanduanes, the Progreso Fisherfolk Association produced 25 kilograms of tilapia.
On the other hand, the Tigaon Inland Fisherfolk Association of Camarines Sur harvested 151 kilograms of the same fish species while the San Lorenzo Ruiz Tilapia Raisers in Camarines Norte partially harvested 83 kilograms.
"BFAR-SAAD aims to boost food security and economic growth in targeted areas in Bicol," Briones said. (PNA)
