Women-led fisherfolk group in Barobo, Surigao del Sur celebrates the inaugaral harvest of their high-density polyethylene (HDPE) marine fish cage project.
Maria Gracia T. Bernal, chairperson of the Barobo Integrated Farmers & Fisherfolks Association (BaIFFA), proved that leading an aquaculture endeavor knows no gender, as their association marked a significant milestone with their first harvest of bangus from their high-density polyethylene (HDPE) marine fish cage project provided by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga Regional Field Office.
The first harvest from the 10-m diameter Norwegian fish cage yielded a total production volume of 1.9 tonnes, with gross sales amounting to Php232,080, proving that investing in climate-smart aquaculture projects can generate a better income for the fisherfolk communities despite the occurrence of natural hazards.
Regional director Omnia B. Olama, together with senior aquaculturist Edgardo P. Balambao, provincial fishery officer Noel Pugoy and aquaculturist Letecia Alaba, also witnessed the inaugural harvest last February 16, 2023 at Sua, Barobo, Surigao del Sur.
The fish cage project worth Php650,000 is funded under DA-BFAR’s Cage for Livelihood Program, which aims to provide climate-smart technologies to enhance production efficiency and optimize resource use and to help build the resiliency of the coastal communities in the face of climate change.
Located in the northeastern coast of Mindanao facing the Pacific Ocean, the province of Surigao del Sur position itself as highly vulnerable to the escalating effects of climate change and other natural hazards.
It can be recalled that tropical depression Kabayan hit Mindanao and series of jolts and subsequent aftershocks have also struck off parts of Caraga region in December 2023 and even in the beginning of the year 2024, yet, the HDPE cage has reliably and efficiently withstand these natural disasters, offering an opportunity for a more resilient and profitable aquaculture business endeavor.
RD Olama assured that the Regional Bureau will continue to support sustainable aquaculture programs geared toward advancing the region’s economic development and revitalizing rural communities. (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga)
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