BFAR - Special Area for Agricultural Development

| The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has received multiple reports that certain individuals are posing as employees of the BFAR Office of the Director and maliciously using the name of the Bureau’s Director to solicit financial donations from suppliers and bidders of BFAR project and programs.

𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗕𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗦𝗨𝗖𝗛 𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗨𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗨𝗡𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗗.

We hereby warn the general public against unscrupulous persons engaged in fraudulent activities who are misrepresenting officials and employees of BFAR. We condemn such act and request the public to immediately report such activity to us for the conduct of appropriate action.

WE ARE HIRING!

TECHNICAL STAFF
Contract of Service (COS)

Qualifications:

With a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Economics, Environmental Planning, and related fields;

Preferably with PRC License or CSC Eligibility;

Proficient in MS Office (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.);

Have an experience or knowledge in Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation of local or international project/s;
With good written and oral communication skills both in English and Filipino;

With good moral character and can work under pressure; and

Willing to be assigned and work in BFAR-Central Office, Quezon City.

Interested applicants are advised to send their resume and application letter on or before December 25, 2023, with the subject: APPLICATION_Surname and addressed to:

ELYMI AR-J S. TUÑACAO
National Focal Person, BFAR-SAAD Phase 2
[email protected]

BFAR-SAAD 4th QUARTER ASSESSMENT: 219 Food Production and Livelihood Interventions Distributed; 952 SocPrep Activities Conducted

NUEVA ECIJA, December 19, 2023 – The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-BFAR SAAD) Program Phase 2 recently conducted its Yearend Assessment in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija last December 4 to 8, 2023.

The event was hosted by the BFAR-SAAD National Program Management Support Office (NPMSO) led by National Focal Person, Chief Elymi Ar-J Tuñacao and Alternate Focal, Arnel Valenzuela. The 15 Regional Program Management Support Offices (RPMSOs) from all over the country attended the event. Moreover, Directors from two (2) of the Regions attended the event along with their respective RPMSOs including RD Lilibeth Signey of Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and RD Rosario Segundina Gaerlan of Region 1 (Ilocos).

The program opened with a video message from the Assistant Director for Technical Services, Isidro Velayo Jr. He emphasized how new doors of opportunities opens when the old one closes, just as much as this ending year opens a new one. Chief Tuñacao presented the overview of the activity and objectives. Staff of the NPMSO presented the physical, financial, I.T. Database Profiling, as well as Public Relations and Development Communications (PRDC) accomplishments. RPMSOs presented their respective accomplishments. They also shared the challenges they have encountered and the good practices they observed during the implementation of the Program.

As of November 30, the BFAR-SAAD Program Phase 2 accomplished 952 total Social Preparation Activities, 310 specialized trainings, and 219 Food Production and Livelihood distributions. P450 million of the P486 million total budget allotment has been obligated and P358 million has been disbursed. The Social Preparation component involved a spectrum of activities, such as conducting Beneficiary Needs Assessments (BNAs), facilitating Capacity Building Trainings, and implementing Profiling and Geotagging initiatives. Furthermore, beyond the tangible resources provided by the program, beneficiaries have also participated in specialized trainings aimed at optimizing the use of these resources for enhanced effectiveness.

BFAR-SAAD follows a thoughtful approach to distribute projects gradually. This helps communities build up their capabilities until they're ready for marketing-related activities. The main goal is to reduce poverty by providing livelihood projects and supporting beneficiaries from start to finish, helping them establish and sustain their community-based enterprises (CBEs). # # #

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.

HAPPENING NOW || SAAD national executives and staff for the agri-fishery sector convened for FY 2023 year-end assessment cm workshop for FY 2024 activities

Being the principal office providing policy directions, program coordination and integration planning between its various operating units of the agri-fishery sector across the country, the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) National Program Management Office (NPMO) of the Department of Agriculture and National Program Management Support Office (NPMSO) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources convened for FY 2023 Year-end Assessment and FY 2024 Strategic Planning Workshop in Calamba, Laguna from December 11 to 15.

The first part of the program is the presentation of the proposed SAAD Phase 1 Terminal Evaluation cm Impact Assessment discussed by the SAAD-NPMO Operations, Planning, Budget, Monitoring, and Evaluation Lead Darwin Pamatmat.

The crucial results during the course of the initial phase of program implementation will be deliberated and further discussed by the SAAD panel together with the representatives from the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) - Senior Science Research Specialist Unit Head in the Socio-Economics Research Division, Ms. Genny Bandoles and her staff, Ms. Joville Andrea Foliente.

The discussion points include the differences in direction, multi-commodity implementation, variation on timeline of implementation/beneficiary coverage, variation on data sources and baselines, validity of the impact evaluation vis-á-vis the Result-Based Monitoring and Evaluation (RBME), appropriate sample size, type of sampling, and effects and connection of components.

This activity aims to assess the performance of the program through its physical, financial, and managerial accomplishments, success and bottlenecks encountered, and direction setting during the fiscal year 2023 including other program management-related concerns. Also, the workshop aims to craft policy recommendations and directions for the incoming FY 2024 implementation essential for the program moving forward.

In the following days, each Unit and sub-unit under the NPMO, including the NPMSO will present their FY 2023 accomplishments in terms of targets set and plan of activities for FY 2024.





Special Area for Agricultural Development Program

Insured to be Reassured: BFAR 4A SAAD assists beneficiaries in their Enrollment to PCIC

ALABAT, QUEZON, November 15, 2023 - The Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Barangay Villa Norte (SMBVN) in Alabat, Quezon, is one of the group beneficiaries of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-BFAR SAAD) Program Phase 2 in CALABARZON. Under BFAR 4A SAAD’s guidance and technical assistance, the fisherfolk group embraced seaweed farming, achieving a harvest of 2,000 metric tons in the first culture period. Recognizing agricultural risks, Mr. Eduardo P. Azuelo, Support Staff of the RPMSO initiated an Insurance Plan with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to guard against unexpected events.

The insurance proved to be useful when their cultured seaweed farm suffered from proliferation of white spots, later identified as “ice-ice” disease. The disease resulted in the group’s loss of income for two (2) consecutive months. The incident was reported and investigated by the PCIC which, after a couple of weeks, informed the group of the approval of their insurance claim.

Currently, PCIC is getting the checks ready for the 40 members of the seaweed farming project. The insurance has indeed given the association financial protection against losses from disasters. It also assures members that their crops are safe, providing them with peace of mind. # # #

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.

Food Production and Livelihood:

DA-BFAR 3 SAAD presents final intervention to the associations

CENTRAL LUZON, November 15, 2023 - The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 3 (DA-BFAR 3) Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 conducted a meeting with the SAAD-formed associations to present the final intervention plans and forthcoming specialized training programs in Anao, San Clemente, and Ramos in Tarlac on October 25 and 26, 2023, and in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija on November 8 and 9, 2023.

The final intervention is Tilapia Fish Pen Culture for Baguindoc Fisherfolks and Farmers Association (BaFFA), Samahan ng Mangingisda at Magsasaka ng Barangay Pance (SMMBP), Samahan ng Mangingisda at Magsasaka ng Barangay Medico at Monic (SMMBMM), and Tilapia Fish Pond Culture for Balloc Fisherfolks and Farmers Association (BFFA).

Ms. Joan Gay Oreas, SAAD Alternate Focal, presented and discussed the estimated income of the associations with their final intervention, which was further explained by Mr. Ralphrandth Atabay, chief of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division (FPSSD).

DA-BFAR 3 SAAD's meetings also served as a platform to introduce the upcoming training initiatives for the associations. Over the next several months, community members can look forward to a series of training programs that will equip them with essential skills and knowledge. Some of the planned training sessions include training on tilapia culture, fishpen construction, and post-harvest training such as smoking, pagbuburo, and pagdadaing.

Ms. Maria Bethelina Cagnayo, the community development officer, concluded the activities reiterating the need of the associations to come up with an agreement on profit sharing between members and association. # # #

Photo Credit: BFAR-SAAD Central Luzon

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.

BFAR-SAAD Food Production and Livelihood:

Ceremonial Launching of Livelihood Project Marks a New Milestone for Saguday

QUIRINO, November 17, 2023- The DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-BFAR SAAD) Region 2 in collaboration with the Provincial Government Office of Quirino and Municipal Local Government Unit of Saguday conducted a ceremonial launching of BFAR-SAAD Livelihood Project, Monoculture of Tilapia in Pond.

The project focuses on Samahan ng mga Mangingisda ng La Paz (SaMaLaPaz) and it underscores the grassroots approach of the BFAR-SAAD Region 2 Livelihood Project, ensuring that the initiatives align closely with the needs of the target beneficiaries.
According to Atty. Ronaldo R. Libunao, BFAR-SAAD Region 2 Alternate Focal Person, this aquaculture project for Saguday is expected to create supplemental income among the members of SaMaLaPaz. Moreover, he said that more than 26,000 tilapia fingerlings as initial inputs were already stocked in the 5,200 square meters of production areas. Other farm inputs like feeds and technical assistance will also be provided by the BFAR Region 2 under the SAAD program.

"Implementing the SAAD Livelihood Project in economically depressed areas, which include fifth- and sixth-class municipalities, will not only address economic challenges but also contribute to social, environmental, and nutritional improvements fostering a holistic approach to community development," he added.
Municipal Mayor of Saguday, Hon. Jerry M. Pagbilao, was present at the launching, signifying the local government’s official endorsement and support for the seamless implementation of BFAR SAAD Project.

“Maraming salamat sa BFAR SAAD Region 2 dahil nakita nila ang aming Munisipyo na 5th class municipality dito sa probinsya ng Quirino bilang beneficiary ng proyektong ito. Ang tanging hiling lang po namin ay sana tuluy- tuloy ang tiwala at suporta niyo sa amin lalo na sa SaMaLaPaz dahil sigurado akong maraming matutulungang mamamayan ang proyektong ito,” Mayor Pagbilao said.

Key officials from DA-BFAR Region 2 headed by Regional Director Angel B. Encarnacion, representatives from BFAR SAAD Regional Program Management Support Office, Local Government Units of Quirino and Saguday and PFO- Quirino headed by Mr. Christopher Casco demonstrated concerted support during the launching activity.

As the project gains momentum, it holds the promise of providing immediate economic benefits and foster long-term growth and resilience.

Photo Credit: BFAR SAAD Region 2

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.

BFAR SAAD Phase 2 Rehiyon Dos

Food Production and Livelihood:

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃’𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬: 𝐈𝐟𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐄 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲

IFUGAO, November 14, 2023 - Enhancing the capacities of beneficiaries to increase their potential for a sustainable livelihood while also increasing their aquaculture production efforts as they prepare for the next fish culture period, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-BFAR CAR) through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II recently distributed polyethylene (PE) hoses to three associations in Ifugao.

The distribution of additional aquaculture livelihood inputs is still part of the SAAD's ongoing commitment to assisting fisherfolk in generating income and eventually becoming an enterprise. Therefore, in addition to providing aquaculture packages to SAAD beneficiaries, the program likewise addressed the challenges that the beneficiaries face through the Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA), which was conducted during Social Preparation.

The BNA, confirmed by the Provincial Fishery Office (PFO) of Ifugao, identified challenges of the fisherfolk beneficiaries. These include insufficient water supply, the absence of an irrigation system, and the fact that their water source which are springs are quite far from their fishpond areas. According to most fisherfolk, transporting water from the source to their ponds takes at least an hour.

To meet this need, the Bureau distributed PE hoses, which will help ensure they have a reliable and quality source of water intended for their agricultural or other economic activities. The fisherfolk groups Naluwah Fisherfolk and Farmers Association (NFFO) and Iwang Fisherfolk and Farmers Association (IFFO) in Hingyon received 23 rolls of PE hose each, while the Cawayan Farmers Association (CFA) in Asipulo received 59 rolls of the same.

"I strongly encourage you, our Ifugao fisherfolk, to maximize the use of PE hoses and adopt effective and innovative farming practices to increase your aquaculture yields. As we have addressed one of your issues in supplying water from the spring to your fishponds through the PE hoses, this initiative is expected to impact the overall productivity of your fish farming operations," Regional Director Lilibeth L. Signey said during the awarding ceremony.

Grateful for this initiative, BFAR-SAAD beneficiaries, through their presidents Jimmy P. Umingle (CFA), Dovi K. Naboye (NFFO), and Brigida D. Dagumay (IFFO) expressed their commitment to ensuring the productivity of their aquaculture endeavors for the next cropping period.

With the SAAD’s mission to contribute to uplifting the living conditions of fisherfolk in disadvantaged areas, the Bureau is continuously promoting proactive initiatives to boost and promote sustainable aquaculture in the region. The distribution of PE hoses is just one of many initiatives undertaken to empower fisherfolk and adapt to the changing needs of time by supplementing them with projects that will make them resilient and self-sufficient. Among the provinces in CAR, Ifugao is the only province covered by the program to receive PE hoses.

Regional Director Lilibeth L. Signey spearheaded the said event along with the SAAD Program Coordinator Michelle A. Peralta, Ifugao–PFO Eumic C. Culimay, and representatives from the Municipal Local Government Units (MLGU) of Asipulo and Hingyon. # # #

Photo Credit: BFAR-SAAD CAR

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 Cordillera
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090347877388

The Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Special Area for Agricultural Development Program Phase 2
extends a warm congratulations to the BFAR-SAAD
2023 Fisheries Professional Licensure Examination Passers!

REGION 1 - Ilocos Region
Rowell R. Cabatu

REGION 3 - Central Luzon
Daniel R. Carpo

REGION 4B - MIMAROPA
Amran S. Jaibe

REGION 5 - Bicol Region
Rolando P. Ajero
Josefa B. Tipono

REGION 6 - Western Visayas
Dorenemae L. Duque
Lovely Vergara

REGION 7 - Central Visayas
Jeselle M. Jabines

REGION 8 - Eastern Visayas
Angeline Corpin

REGION 11 - Davao Region
Floramie Y. Herda

REGION 13 - Caraga Region
Juvel Orozo Dumagtoy

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐏𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐍 𝐁𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐒

Starting 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 1 and ending on 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 31 of the following year, the use of purse seine, ring net and bag net in catching roundscad (galunggong) within the conservation area northeast of Palawan will be 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐇𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 to protect the galunggong during its peak spawning season.

BFAR-SAAD enhances Social Preparation initiatives with Participatory Rural Appraisal Training of Trainers

TAGAYTAY CITY, October 16, 2023 - The Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, through its Special Area for Agricultural Development Program Phase 2, has successfully conducted an immersive Participatory Rural Appraisal Training for the Regional Program Management Support Office Staff. This intensive training took place from September 25 to 29, 2023, at the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).
This significant training event was meticulously organized and facilitated by a collaboration of key personnel, including the DA-SAAD National Program Management Office (NPMO), BFAR-SAAD National Program Management Support Office (NPMSO), and DA-BFAR 4A (CALABARZON). The training was graced by the presence of esteemed leaders, including SAAD Director Ulysess Lustria Jr. and Deputy Director Pedro Dumaraos Jr., who delivered inspirational messages that set the tone for the event.

Chief of the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division, Dr. Maribeth Ramos, provided an insightful introduction to Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), shedding light on its importance and application. The training also featured an in-depth session led by Community Development Officer, Mr. John Arman Engay, who delved into the intricacies of PRA—its methodologies and tools.

Following the engaging lectures and informative Q&A sessions, participants were divided into breakout rooms, each dedicated to one of three fisheries sectors: aquaculture, capture, and postharvest. These sector-based groups were designed to facilitate immersion activities scheduled for the following day.

“PRA is not a deviation to the BNA [Beneficiary Needs Assessment] but an improvement of this Social Preparation subcomponent.” Elymi Ar-J Tuñacao, National Focal Person of the BFAR-SAAD NPMSO, emphasized this point in her video message. The primary aim of this activity is to bolster the reliability of data gathering by engaging directly with program beneficiaries. By understanding their perspectives on the rural environment, BFAR-SAAD aims to fine-tune its projects for the betterment of the fisheries sector of their community.

As part of the immersion phase, the groups ventured into three distinct target areas to collaborate with fisherfolk associations. The Aquaculture group convened at the municipal hall of Laurel; the Capture group assembled at the barangay hall of Brgy. Bugaan East, Laurel; and the Postharvest group gathered at the Taal Central Fishport. In these locations, participants actively assisted fisherfolk in assessing various aspects of their community through the use of maps, charts, diagrams, and interviews.

This training marks a significant step towards more sustainable and community-focused fisheries development, aligning with the Bureau’s commitment to empowering rural communities and contribute to improving the lives of those involved in the fisheries and aquatic sectors. # # #

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.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Central Office
Special Area for Agricultural Development Program

BFAR-SAAD Food Production and Livelihood:
Harvest Festival Celebrations Unfold in Tublay and Sablan, Benguet

BENGUET, September 21, 2023 - 'Aldaw ti panagkalap,' which means harvest festival in Ilocano, served as a platform for local fisherfolk of Tublay and Sablan in Benguet to showcase and market their tilapia harvest with the help of projects implemented through the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-BFAR SAAD) Program.

In Tublay, project recipient Mr. Vincent Bero, who started with 750 fingerlings and 7.7 bags of fish feed, successfully harvested 95 kilograms of tilapia from his 150 sqm fishpond, earning at least 13,000 pesos at a farm gate price of 140 pesos per kilogram. Mr. Bero is a member of the Fisherfolk Organization of Daclan (FOOD).
During the harvest festival, Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division (RFTFCD) Chief Lois June Fermin emphasized the scarcity of fisheries in the Cordilleras and underscored the objectives of the BFAR SAAD Program of fostering sustainable development, eliminating hunger, ensuring food security, enhancing nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. She highlighted the pivotal role that fisheries play in achieving balanced nutrition, complementing Cordillerans' livestock rearing and crop cultivation.

Tublay Mayor Engr. Armando I. Lauro also graced the occasion, commending other fisherfolk-beneficiaries for their triumphant harvest and successful tilapia cultivation in Sitio Chagao and Barangay Ambongdolan. According to Tublay Municipal Agriculturist Engr. Jeffrey Sotero, the project's immediate interventions yielded swift results. Moreover, aligned effectively with Tublay's needs, the project stands as a climate-resilient livelihood initiative, with the culture period shortened from six to four months.

Meanwhile, in Sablan, the 'Aldaw ti Panagkalap' unfolded at Mr. Carlo Pito's expansive 400 sqm fishpond, where 2,000 fingerlings have been dispersed for culture. Mr. Pito's partial harvest yielded 75 kilograms, sold at 140 pesos per kilogram. Mr. Pito is a member of the organization, Fisherfolk of Sablan Highlands (FISH).
Punong Barangay James Rafael championed the program's role in enhancing livelihoods and affirmed Chief Fermin's belief in Cordillerans' industrious nature. FISH President Ronelle Polon celebrated the project's impact, relishing FISH's role in this transformative journey.

In addition to previously provided aquaculture inputs, the two municipalities, along with their respective recipient groups, received additional postharvest equipment during the festival. This included 10 pieces of crates, two units of 10-kg capacity weighing scales, one unit of 60-kg capacity weighing scale, and a 20-meter by 5-meter harvest net each.

Photo Credit: DA-BFAR SAAD CAR RPMSO

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.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Central Office
Special Area for Agricultural Development Program

LOOK: BFAR-SAAD facilitates FY 2024 Plans and Budget Workshop for Regional Offices

QUEZON CITY, August 30, 2023 – The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Special Area for Agricultural Development Program (DA-BFAR SAAD) Phase Two conducted a 3-day FY 2024 Plans and Budget Workshop at the University Hotel, UP Diliman, from August 22-24, 2023. Hosted by the National Program Management Support Office (NPMSO), the workshop was participated in by Regional Planning and Budget Officers from the fifteen (15) DA-BFAR Regional Program Management Support Offices (RPMSOs). The activity aimed to harmonize and finalize the plan and budget proposals for both the NPMSO and RPMSOs.

The first day of the activity focused on the presentation of the FY 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP) and Budget Ex*****on Documents (BEDs). Budget Staff, Mr. Hibben Villacorte, presented the NEP and the BED 1 or the Financial Plan, highlighting the target percentage of utilization per quarter. Technical Staff, Ms. Angelica Mae Pila presented the BED 2, the Physical Plan, where she highlighted the guidelines in counting project accomplishments, particularly for the Social Preparation (SocPrep) and Food Production and Livelihood (FLP) components. The Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of DA-BFAR Accounting Section, Mr. Jupiter de Vera, presented BED 3, the Monthly Disbursement Program. He entertained questions regarding procurement process and gave guidelines regarding its early initiation. Following the presentations, speakers held an open forum with the participants.

The second and third days were devoted to the preparation and presentation of the regional BEDs by the RPMSOs. NPMSO National Focal Person, Elymi Ar-J Tuñacao commenced the workshop with a warm message for the participants. Staff from the DA-SAAD also participated in the activity and addressed questions raised by the regions. After the presentations, agreements in line with the discussions throughout the entire activity were summarized by NPMSO Head of Operations, Jan Ely Sevilla, along with the program’s proposed ways forward. Lastly, NPMSO Alternative Focal Person, Mr. Arnel Valenzuela concluded the event with his closing remarks, underscoring the spirit of collective growth and future aspirations. # # #

Photo Credit: BFAR-SAAD NPMSO

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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.