ESPERANZA, Agusan del Sur — Serving as the preparatory phase for becoming a new beneficiary of the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II, the newly formed association, Samahan ng Nagkahiusang Mangigisda ug Mag-uuma (SNMM) in Esperanza, completed in a two-day Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) at the Municipal Agricultural Office on February 3–4, 2026.

Agusan del Sur Provincial Fishery Officer Noel Pugoy led the activity with the support from DA-BFAR personnel and SAAD implementers from the Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO) as facilitators.

In her welcome remarks, municipal agriculturist Jovie Ego-ugan expressed her thanks to the program for the continued support it has provided to local fisherfolk.

“Sa tinuod lang, dako nani nga tabang kay wala lamang kita gihatagan ug oportunidad nga magbuhi, kundi apil nasab ang maka-kwarta pinaagi sa programa,” the municipal agriculturist said.

PFO Pugoy also shared a message calling for cooperation and full participation from the fisherfolk as they aim for a good start in their aquaculture venture as one association.

“Tulo ni siya ka tuig nga suporta, apan nanginahanglan kini og dako nga partisipasyon gikan sa inyo aron kini magmalampuson,” Pugoy added. A total of 15 fisherfolk members attended an orientation on the vision and mission of the SAAD Program for the fisheries sector, including discussions on their roles in sustaining program-supported projects. Moreover, the participants carried-out various PRA tools, which will provide reference data for DA-BFAR SAAD Caraga RPMSO in preparing reports and assessing the association’s eligibility for inclusion as a program beneficiary starting in fiscal year 2026.

Report and Photos by BFAR-SAAD Caraga RPMSO

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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.



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