DA distributes fishing gear units to 125 Siargao fisherfolk
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) —The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga, recently distributed assorted fishing gear materials to 125 fisherfolk beneficiaries across the municipalities of Pilar, San Isidro, San Benito, Burgos, and Del Carmen, all in Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte.
Through DA-BFAR’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2, an estimated 710 units of fishing gear for crab and fish pots, hook and line, and gill nets worth P521,892 can be fabricated from the assorted materials.
Surigao del Norte Provincial Fishery Officer Bimbo C. Lagare said, “The initiative implemented by the Provincial Fisheries Office of Surigao del Norte is designed to reduce poverty and improve living conditions of coastal communities by equipping fisherfolk with essential tools for sustainable fishing practices.”
He also shared that the project underscored the government’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable sectors through targeted agricultural and fisheries development.
“These interventions intend to complement the DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises, striving to enhance food security and promote economic growth in targeted areas across the Philippines,” he added. “Given Siargao Island’s fragile marine ecosystem and vulnerability to climate change, SAAD’s fishery component sought to strengthen community resilience and foster self-reliance among fisherfolk households.”
Mario, a fisherfolk SAAD beneficiary, thanked the government for the unwavering support to the fisherfolk in Siargao Island. “Thank you DA-BFAR for the support from the SAAD program. Your help ensured the income of the fisherfolk and the survival of our families.”
As a visionary program of DA-BFAR, Special Area for Agricultural Development took pride with the 70 percent implementation of its food production and livelihood projects across the region, with 41 implemented out of 59. The program also recorded an 83 percent obligation rate and 54 percent disbursement rate from its P37 million budget allocation as of June 30, 2025. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DA-BFAR-SAAD Caraga)
