The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga officially launched the Aquaculture and Mariculture Expansion and Invigoration Project (AMEIP), with total assistance valued at Php 4.6 million aimed at boosting both livelihood and fish production in the community, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Brgy. Tigao, Cortes, Surigao del Sur.

Kicking off the activity, Rev. Fr. Alvin Linao led the blessing of the mariculture park, followed by a program and the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DA-BFAR Caraga and the fisherfolk group Nagkahiusang Mananagat sa Tigao (NAMATI).

Through the project, NAMATI received two units of 10-meter high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages with complete aquaculture production inputs, as well as materials for a caretaker’s hut.

Fisheries Production and Support Services Division chief Rizalinda L. Abing, who represented DA-BFAR Caraga regional director Omnia B. Olama, said that the project was made possible through the initiative of the Surigao del Sur congressional district office and the result of the successful feasibility assessment of the mariculture area.

“DA-BFAR Caraga will continue to assist you through technical support and training until we reach harvest. This project is not just a livelihood — it is a reward for your commitment to protecting our marine resources,”Abing added.

Meanwhile, Mariculture alternate focal Johnny S. Magdura led the technical orientation covering fish cage operations, feeding schedules, and production targets to help NAMATI manage the project effectively.

The launching ceremony was attended by local leaders and partner agencies, including Lanuza Bay Development Alliance executive director Atty. Leoderico Avila, Surigao del Sur provincial fishery officer Julius Sabino, incoming Cortes municipal mayor Fredrick Yiu, vice mayor Cherry Daraman, and sangguniang bayan members Mercident Dumagan, Hazel Pasok, and Adrian Puno.

Also in attendance were Department of Labor and Employment provincial director Jenebell Bal, Atty. Emboy Trinidad representing Surigao del Sur district representative Romeo Momo Sr., Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Office representative Beatriz Canonigo, and NAMATI chairperson Antonio Dalpa.

In his message, mayor-elect Yiu emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in sustaining community livelihoods. He assured the project beneficiaries of his full commitment to supporting local aquaculture efforts.

Cortes is one of the two AMEIP project sites in Caraga, along with Surigao City, with a total regional investment of Php 9.2 million.

The project marks a strong step forward in DA-BFAR’s efforts to strengthen the region’s aquaculture industry and ensure food sufficiency for local communities, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to sustainable fisheries development and inclusive economic growth in Caraga.