TACLOBAN CITY — Sixteen organized fisherfolk associations across Eastern Samar received livelihood support this quarter under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Phase 2, totaling P4.42 million.
The Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) delivered the assistance as part of the program’s commitment to empowering marginalized fishing communities.
Six associations, including Abejao Fisherfolk Association and Butig Aqua Farmers Association (Salcedo), received 35,000 milkfish fingerlings and 1,031 bags of aqua feeds to boost milkfish production. Nine other associations, including TULIMATAFA and United Farmers and Fisherfolk Association (Maslog), were given 59,000 tilapia fingerlings and 493 bags of aqua feeds to strengthen fishpond operations.
The Gigoso Fisherfolk Association of Giporlos received Php 2 million worth of lambaklad (set-net) fishing gear to enhance their catch capacity and promote sustainable collective fishing.
Provincial Fishery Officer Dan De San Miguel said the interventions reflect BFAR-SAAD’s dedication to improving fisherfolk livelihoods through targeted inputs, technical guidance, and strengthened community participation.
BFAR-SAAD Phase 2 currently assists 29 organized associations in 5th- and 6th-class municipalities of Eastern Samar, many of which are among the province’s poorest, helping bridge the gap between poverty and progress.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
