BFAR’s FishCoRe expands bangus culture livelihood in Caraga
By Nora L. Molde
Fisherfolk cooperatives in
Agusan del Norte receive the 4th and 5th livelihood subprojects through the
Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investment (MARLIN) 2.1 component, a key
initiative of BFAR to strengthen resilience and productivity in the fisheries
sector. (Photo courtesy of BFAR)
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) project has turned over its 4th and 5th livelihood subprojects in Caraga, boosting opportunities for fisherfolk cooperatives in Nasipit town and Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte.
The initiative supported the administration’s commitment to uplift fisherfolk communities. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stressed, “We must empower our fisherfolk and farmers not only to produce more but to earn more from their hard work.”
The subprojects, under the Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investment (MARLIN) 2.1 component, feature Bangus (milkfish) culture using 10-meter diameter High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) cages. These were officially entrusted to the Ata-Atahon Fisherfolk Cooperative and the Kauswagan Fisherfolk Association during the turnover ceremonies on August 27–28.
“Kailangan namin ng puhunan, naghanap kami ng paraan, nandito na ngayon. Salamat po dahil kami ang napili (We needed capital, we looked for ways, and now it has finally come. Thank you for choosing us as beneficiaries,)” said Lunel Cutas, Chairman of Ata-Atahon Fisherfolk Cooperative.
“Papaunlarin po namin ang proyekto para maibalik po namin ang tulong na ibinigay sa amin, (We will nurture and develop this project so that we can give back the support that was entrusted to us,)” added Jerry Dejarme, President of Kauswagan Fisherfolk Association.
By equipping fisherfolk cooperatives with modern aquaculture technology, the project will provide sustainable income sources, ensure a steady bangus supply, and promote profitable yet eco-friendly fish farming practices. Cooperative members also highlighted that the project strengthened their values of teamwork, patience, and hard work.
This turnover followed the initial three MARLIN 2.1 projects launched in June in Tubay, Agusan del Norte, which introduced milkfish fingerling production for local fisherfolk groups.
With the continuous rollout of FishCoRe livelihood interventions, more fisherfolk in Caraga are expected to benefit from improved income opportunities, strengthened cooperatives, and sustainable fisheries practices that contribute to food security and local development.
The FishCoRe aims to promote sustainable fisheries practices and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities through various livelihood interventions. The project’s primary goal is not only to boost local fish production, but also to contribute to environmental conservation by encouraging responsible and effective aquaculture practices. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from BFAR)
