BFAR SAAD Cagayan Valley

24/08/2026

𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 (𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟯𝟰) | 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 begin with ourselves. As public servants, let us uphold the rules, fulfill our responsibilities, keep our workplace organized, and consistently do what is right, even when no one is watching.

Through discipline, we build trust. Through order, we create a more efficient workplace and better public service.

23/08/2026

Isang mensahe ng pasasalamat ang ibinahagi ni Mr. Pablo sa ginanap na Capacity-Building Training noong Agosto 18–20, 2026, sa Last Regnant Leisure Hub, San Manuel, Isabela.

23/08/2026

𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 | Field Monitoring and Stock Sampling Assess Growth of SAAD Project in Luna, Isabela

𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗔, 𝗜𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗮— Field monitoring and stock sampling activities were conducted in Luna, Isabela, to assess the progress of Monoculture of Tilapia in Pond Project of the Siglat Luna Pond Owners Association under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR SAAD) Program region 02 on August 5,2026.

Community Development Officer I Francis Marie Daquioag, together with Municipal Fisheries Coordinator Alvin Matutino, visited nine beneficiary sites to monitor pond conditions, assess fish growth, and provide technical guidance on proper aquaculture management.

The activity focused on the tilapia fingerlings stocked on July 2, 2026. To obtain reliable production data, the sampled tilapia were weighed and measured. After 33 days of culture, the sample recorded an average body weight ranging from 35 to 40 grams, indicating positive early growth performance. The results also provided a basis for adjusting the daily feed allocation according to the estimated biomass of each pond.

Through regular monitoring and data-based feeding management, the SAAD Program continues to support beneficiaries in improving production efficiency, reducing feed wastage, and strengthening sustainable aquaculture practices toward improved livelihood opportunities for fisherfolk communities.

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.

21/08/2026

𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 | BFAR-SAAD Region 02 Strengthens Fisherfolk Associations Through Capability Building on Organizational Development and Strategic Planning

𝗦𝗔𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗘𝗟, 𝗜𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗮 — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources–Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Region 02 successfully completed its three-day Clustered Capability Building Training on Organizational Development and Strategic Planning for program beneficiaries on August 18–20, 2026, at the Last Regnant Leisure Hub in San Manuel, Isabela.

The initiative aimed to strengthen organizational governance, leadership capabilities, teamwork, and long-term planning among local fisherfolk associations, enabling them to become more organized and capable of sustaining their livelihood initiatives.

The activity was attended by representatives from local government units, as well as officers and members of fisherfolk associations from different provinces, namely the Duyun Fisherfolk Association of Rizal, Cagayan; Siglat Luna Pond Owners Association of Luna, Isabela; Fishing Village Fisherfolk Association of Dinapigue, Isabela; Samahan ng Mangingisda at Magsasaka ng La Paz Agriculture Cooperative of Saguday, Quirino; and Ibung Fisherfolk Association of Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya.

Jennifer Tattao, Provincial Fishery Officer (PFO) of Cagayan, formally opened the activity and emphasized the importance of unity and active participation among association members in achieving their organizational goals.

Meanwhile, Regional Director Dr. Angel B. Encarnacion reminded the participants that the knowledge gained from the training should be shared with their fellow members and translated into concrete actions within their respective communities.

Dr. Bernardo M. Malazzab, Project Evaluation Officer III and Regional Lead for the Operations, Planning, Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Project, served as the resource person for the activity.
He guided the participants through discussions on effective teamwork and organizational management, complemented by hands-on exercises in drafting formal resolutions, preparing notices of meetings, and taking accurate minutes. These activities were designed to strengthen the participants’ capacity to properly manage organizational affairs and establish systematic practices within their associations.

Dr. Malazzab also discussed the importance of strategic planning in setting a clear organizational direction and translating goals into actionable programs and activities. Through a hands-on workshop, participants worked collaboratively in crafting strategic plans that they can adopt and implement in their respective associations.

He further urged the participants to share the lessons gained during the training to their fellow members, emphasizing that the true value of capability-building activities is realized when knowledge is shared and applied at the community level.

Equipped with practical knowledge and actionable takeaways, the participants committed to cascading the lessons to their co-members, translating their strategic plans into concrete annual targets, and integrating practices into their regular operations.

Also present during the activity were Agricultural Center Chief II Dr. Emma L. Ballad, SAAD Assistant Alternate Focal Cheyserr P. Garcia, PFO of Isabela Gerico Gibe, PFO of Quirino Christopher Casco and PFO of Nueva Vizcaya, Jay Arre Usquisa.

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.

18/08/2026

𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟭 | 𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝗔𝗔𝗗 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮 𝗞𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝟯-𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗔𝗔𝗗 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗸 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

SAN MANUEL, ISABELA — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office No. 02 (BFAR R02) formally opened its 3-Day Clustered Capability Training under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program today at the Last Regnant Leisure Hub in San Manuel, Isabela. The training runs from August 18 to 20, 2026.

Delegations from various fisherfolk groups—including the Ibung Fisherfolk Association, Siglat Luna Pond Owners Association, Samahan ng Mangingisda at Magsasaka ng La Paz Agriculture Cooperative, Fishing Village Fisherfolk Association, and Duyun Fisherfolk Association—gathered for the opening day's preliminary sessions.

Provincial Fishery Officer of Cagayan, Jennifer Tattao, urged delegates to actively participate, exchange best practices, and learn from one another. SAAD Region 2 Community Development Officer II Sophia Lei Manzano then led the levelling of expectations, guiding associations through a review of their strengths, key learning targets, and operational challenges.

Regional Director Dr. Angel B. Encarnacion emphasized the importance of cascading knowledge back to local members, encouraging delegates to take full advantage of the three-day activity. Also in attendance were Agricultural Center Chief Dr. Emma Ballad, Assistant Alternate Focal, Cheyserr P. Garcia, PFO Isabela Gerico Gibe, and PFO Quirino Christopher Casco.

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.

04/08/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑-𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃!

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Program Phase II has been recognized as one of the top-performing locally funded projects by the Department of Agriculture - Special Projects Coordination and Management Assistance Division (DA-SPCMAD). For the first semester of CY 2026, the Program earned an impressive 97.56% performance rating under the Special Projects Monitoring and Evaluation Tool (SPMET), officially awarded during the Midyear Assessment held in Diliman, Quezon City last July 31, 2026.

This recognition reflects the teamwork and shared commitment of the Program's implementers, who continue to work hand in hand to keep the program moving forward. With this achievement as added inspiration, the team remains committed to excellence in implementation and firm in its mission: to help reduce poverty by advancing fisheries development initiatives that bring lasting, meaningful change to coastal and fisherfolk communities.

Mabuhay ang sektor ng Pangisdaan!

29/07/2026

𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 | 𝗗𝗔-𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝗔𝗔𝗗 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗖𝗢 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗙𝗙𝗔 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀-𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗮 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

𝗜𝗧𝗕𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗧, 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀— The Department of Agriculture -Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Special Area for Agricultural Development Program in region 02 successfully conducted a three-day Specialized Training on Tilapia Fish cage Design, Construction, and Management for members of the Itbayat Agriculture Cooperative (ITACO) and the Yawran Farmers and Fisherfolk Association (YFFA) from July 16 to 18, 2026.

This initiative focused on the design, construction, and management of tilapia grow-out in fish cages. The activity seamlessly integrated theoretical knowledge with immediate field application, allowing participants to immediately apply the concepts they learned. Guided by technical experts, beneficiaries underwent practical sessions on fish cage design and construction, cage installation, and the proper stocking of tilapia fingerlings.

As an output of the training, the participants successfully constructed and deployed two fish cage units. Each unit was stocked with 1,650 tilapia fingerlings, bringing a total of 3,300 fingerlings into production for the two associations.

With the completion of the newly installed units, ITACO and YFFA now manage a combined total of 14 operational tilapia fish cages, further expanding their production capacity and strengthening their community-based aquaculture enterprise.

The activity also received strong support from local government officials and partner agencies. Leading the event was Hon. Carlo Ponce, Sangguniang Bayan Member and Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries. Representatives from the Provincial Fishery Office of Batanes likewise participated, including Community Development Officer I Rowel Alcazar, Administrative Officer IV Charles Castillo, Farm Workers Mike Castillo and Paul Castillejos, and DSIP Staff Victor Velayo Jr., who provided technical and administrative assistance throughout the activity.

The training forms part of BFAR-SAAD's continuing efforts to equip fisherfolk organizations with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to establish sustainable aquaculture enterprises and contribute to food security in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas such as Itbayat, Batanes.

"𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃, 𝐊𝐚𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐲."

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

23/07/2026