BFAR SAAD Western Visayas

𝗣𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹-𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

Small-scale fisherfolk in the Philippines, like the crabbers of Concepcion, are exposed to the twin pressures of depleted fish stocks and the financial shock of disasters and fishing regulations, without a reliable safety net. That is why the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office VI (DA-BFAR 6) partnered with international and national organizations to change that. The Bureau is working on making sustainable fisheries management and social protection mutually reinforce one another.

From May 15 to 18, 2026, DA represented by Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther E. Bayate, and BFAR 6 headed by Director Remia A. Aparri, met with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), conservation organization Rare, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Concepcion, and the Province of Iloilo to explore how compensation schemes and access to contributory social and insurance programs can help buffer income losses, enable fisherfolk compliance with conservation measures, and protect livelihoods against economic and climate-related challenges. The four-day series of meetings in Manila and Iloilo started the ball rolling for this collaboration on the Social Protection for Fisheries and Aquaculture (SocPro4Fish) Plan for 2026-2028.

The plan is organized around three reinforcing workstreams, all anchored in the blue swimming crab (BSC) fishery of Concepcion, Iloilo, which will serve as the national pilot. The first addresses sustainability at the source: introducing harvest controls and effort reduction measures, which may include the introduction of a closed season critical to crab stock recovery. The second focuses on livelihoods, expanding income opportunities for fishing households most affected by those restrictions, in recognition that conservation measures without economic alternatives can deepen poverty rather than relieve it.

The third, and most novel, workstream centers on social protections: widening access to health, insurance, and welfare coverage for fishers and their families and the parametric insurance model for income support during possible fishery closures and disasters. The three workstreams embody the core of the partnership: that stock recovery and human welfare are not competing goals but inseparable ones.

The partnership also formally connects to the Philippines' National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF), ensuring that outcomes feed into, rather than duplicate, the country's existing policy commitments to the sector. It is also worth noting that SocPro4Fish aligns flawlessly with Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 11 Management Framework’s goal of ensuring social equity and inter-agency collaboration for alternative livelihoods to reduce fishing effort.

Visits to the island barangays of Tambaliza and Igbon in Concepcion allowed partners to speak with fisherfolk and their families, who are mostly blue swimming crab picking plant workers, including the members of BIGKAS, which has been a partner beneficiary of BFAR 6’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) since 2023. The conversations surfaced practical insights that will shape the project's final design, including which households face the greatest exposure, which existing programs can be built upon, and where the gaps are. The two island communities are expected to be the pilot sites of SocPro4Fish in the country.

From the outset, partners have been deliberate about designing the Concepcion pilot with national replication in mind. The closing session of the week focused squarely on institutionalization: how to embed the program's social protection mechanisms into BFAR's regulatory frameworks, local government structures, and national policy so that gains persist beyond any single funding cycle. If successful, Concepcion could become the proof-of-concept for a new standard of fisheries management across the Philippines, one in which the welfare of fishing communities is treated not as an afterthought, but as a foundation.

The meetings with DA and BFAR 6 drew senior representatives from across all partner organizations. From the MBA, the delegation included Wendy Norden, Director of Science and Global Strategies; Fiona Lugo-Mulligan, Program Manager for Global Ocean Conservation; Birgette Krogh-Poulsen, Senior Fellow for Human Rights and Social Equity; and Patrick Co and Gerald Hulleza, both MBA Philippines Fellows. FAO was represented by Alison Macnaughton, Fisheries, Social Protection and Small-Scale Producers Specialist; Bernardo Campos, Junior Researcher, and Rebecca Andong, Fisheries Specialist. Israel Dela Cruz attended on behalf of the PCIC, while Dennis Calvan represented conservation partner Rare. From BFAR Central Office, Roy Ortega, Joeren Ylana, Kima Cedo joined the discussions while Maria Aimee Sobrevega and Sheryll Mesa of BFAR 6 served as secretariat and coordinators.

What makes us hopeful is the amount of commitment and varied focus of the organizations involved that complement each other. DA-BFAR brings fisheries regulatory authority and existing social protection programs, such as SAAD, for fisherfolk at the local level. FAO and MBA contribute global expertise on fisheries governance and sustainability, drawing on parallel work in Tunisia to adjust to the Philippine context. PCIC and conservation organization Rare, meanwhile, are jointly piloting a parametric insurance scheme that automatically triggers payouts based on weather and environmental indices, removing the bureaucratic delays that make traditional insurance impractical for most fishing households. LGU Concepcion and the Province of Iloilo complete the picture, providing the on-the-ground reach and institutional permanence that national and international actors alone cannot do. #/RJS

BFAR-SAAD Western Visayas Update | 𝗣𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹-𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

Concepcion, Iloilo - A broad coalition of national agencies, local governments, and international organizations has agreed on a shared roadmap to protect the welfare of small-scale fishers and to build it into the system for good, starting with SAAD Partner beneficiary Barangay Igbon Kasagan Association (BIGKAS).

DA-BFAR 6 together with representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA), the BFAR Central Office, the Department of Agriculture, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), and Rare, joined local government units from Concepcion and the Province of Iloilo for a series of meetings and community visits aimed at advancing social protections for small-scale fishing communities.

𝗦𝗜𝗕𝗜𝗙𝗙𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗣𝗵𝗽 𝟭𝟴 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

Caluya, Antique – The Sibato Islanders Fisherfolk Association (SIBIFFA) will receive seaweed support facilities through the Enhanced Philippine Seaweeds Development Program (EPSDP) to help strengthen their livelihood. The projects have an estimated budget of Php 18 million that includes a seaweed warehouse, a seaweed dryer, a food cart. A seaweed harvester boat valued at 150,000.00 that will also be beneficiary to the SAAD-supported association.

These new facilities and equipment are handled by the Seaweed Farmers Cooperative in Brgy. Sibato and is expected to boost production, improve post-harvest handling, and expand market opportunities for the association, limiting middlemen. The food cart aims to showcase the value-added products of the association, such as seaweed chips and seaweed pickle that will be turned over to the SIBIFFA

Through these developments, the SIBIFFA is expected to strengthen its seaweed enterprise towards a more sustainable market and livelihood.

This new development was made official in 2025. It was further reinforced during the site visit and monitoring from April 23 - 27, 2026, conducted by the representatives of the BFAR Region 6’s SAAD Phase II Program and the Provincial Fisheries Office of Antique. To build a solid foundation, the team, in collaboration with the municipality of Caluya, secured the land where the facility will be constructed.

In 2025, the SIFA generated a total of 57,457 kilograms of seaweed, which is equivalent to Php 994, 101 reflecting the association's growing contribution to the seaweed industry.



About DA-BFAR SAAD Phase II

The DA-BFAR Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program aims to help reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities. The program supports poor fishing sectors through interventions that complement DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. Through these efforts, BFAR-SAAD continues to strengthen food security and promote inclusive economic growth in priority areas across the Philippines.

BFAR-SAAD Western Visayas Update | 𝗦𝗜𝗕𝗜𝗙𝗙𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗣𝗵𝗽 𝟭𝟴 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

Caluya, Antique – The Sibato Islanders Fisherfolk Association (SIBIFFA) will receive seaweed support facilities through the Enhanced Philippine Seaweeds Development Program (EPSDP) to help strengthen their livelihood. The projects have an estimated budget of Php 18 million that includes a seaweed warehouse, a seaweed dryer, a food cart. A seaweed harvester boat valued at 150,000.00 that will also be beneficiary to the SAAD-supported association.

Full story to follow.

𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝗔𝗔𝗗 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗩𝗜 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟱

Iloilo City - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region VI - Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR - SAAD) Program Phase II, joins the Season 5 Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program Summit and Business Conference on April 19 - 24, 2026 highlighting its key initiatives in strengthening support for community based enterprises (CBE).

The national activity brought together young farmers and fisherfolk from Regions I to XIII presenting them with the opportunity to present their business pitches and gain investors, gain inspiration from successful YFC alumni, and explore potential market linkages through business-to-business and business-to-consumer engagements.

As one of the exhibitors, the SAAD Program showcased its initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized fisherfolk as part of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Special Program. It also demonstrated support by presenting its programs and services while taking the opportunity to introduce Region VI commodities. Special focus was given to community-based enterprises, highlighting how fisherfolk groups are organized into established enterprises through social preparation, resource provision, and capability training.

Through its participation, the SAAD Program supports the commitment of the YFC program to inclusive development by supporting young agri-fishery entrepreneurs while promoting community-driven enterprises as key drivers of rural economic growth.



About DA-BFAR SAAD Phase II

The DA-BFAR Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program aims to help reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities. The program supports poor fishing sectors through interventions that complement DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. Through these efforts, BFAR-SAAD continues to strengthen food security and promote inclusive economic growth in priority areas across the Philippines.

BFAR-SAAD Western Visayas Update | 𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝗔𝗔𝗗 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗩𝗜 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟱

Iloilo City - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region VI - Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR - SAAD) Program Phase II, joins the Season 5 Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program Summit and Business Conference on April 19 - 24, 2026, highlighting its key initiatives in strengthening support for community-based enterprises (CBE).

Full story to follow.

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Iloilo City – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Program Phase II in Region 6 successfully conducted its First Quarterly Assessment for the year 2026 via Zoom on April 20, 2026. The activity was attended by the Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO), Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO), and the Technical Working Group (TWG). It served as an important platform for implementers to review and evaluate accomplishments, challenges, and overall performance during the first quarter of the year.

The assessment is a significant step towards achieving the program goals, for it allows implementers to revisit the previous actions, identify the gaps and issues, and develop appropriate solutions, strategies, and action plans. The targets and accomplishments for the components of SAAD mainly the Social Preparation , the Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) ,and the Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) were presented by the PPMSO, covering the provinces of Iloilo, Guimaras, Antique, and Aklan. The information presented reflects the progress of the program and serves as a vital basis for data-driven analysis, guiding implementers in assessing performance and refining strategies.

Joel T. Abalayan, Alternate Focal Person of BFAR-SAAD Region 6, highlighted in his welcome message the importance of information in extracting analysis, partnered with the proper use of technologies for better documentation.

“Sa aton program implementation, may mga gina pa comply ang SAAD and we should kindly attend to these submissions, para ma complete ang information, as part of the implementation man para ma analyze man natun kag ma tagaan explanation ang status sang atun project and fisherfolk.”

The successful conduct of the First Quarter Assessment of BFAR-SAAD Phase II implementation in 2026 marks a strong start, and with three more quarterly assessments ahead, the program implementers are given continuous opportunities to monitor progress, address challenges, and strengthen strategies across all components. # # #



About DA-BFAR SAAD Phase II

The DA-BFAR Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program aims to help reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities. The program supports poor fishing sectors through interventions that complement DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. Through these efforts, BFAR-SAAD continues to strengthen food security and promote inclusive economic growth in priority areas across the Philippines.

| Asin na pinagyaman: Produkto ng M. Chavez Salt Producers Association

Mula sa baybaying bayan ng San Lorenzo, Guimaras, patuloy na pinauunlad ng M. Chavez Salt Producers Association (MSPA) ang kanilang mga produktong asin at pangisdaan sa tulong ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources sa ilalim ng Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Program Phase 2.

Sa pamamagitan ng mga suportang proyekto at kagamitan, nagagawa ng samahan na mapanatili ang produksyon at mapataas ang halaga ng kanilang mga produkto.

| Asin na pinagyaman: Produkto ng M. Chavez Salt Producers Association

Mula sa baybaying bayan ng San Lorenzo, Guimaras, patuloy na pinauunlad ng M. Chavez Salt Producers Association (MSPA) ang kanilang mga produktong asin at pangisdaan sa tulong ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources sa ilalim ng Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Program Phase 2.

Sa pamamagitan ng mga suportang proyekto at kagamitan, nagagawa ng samahan na mapanatili ang produksyon at mapataas ang halaga ng kanilang mga produkto.

Kabilang sa mga produktong kanilang ibinebenta ang rock o table salt, salt value-added products tulad ng flavored salt, at iba’t ibang fishing at salt production supplies at materials na ginagamit ng mga mangingisda at salt producers sa komunidad.

Ang kanilang flavored salt ay ibinebenta sa halagang Php 45 hanggang Php 55 kada pakete, depende sa uri ng flavor, habang ang rock o table salt ay nagkakahalaga ng Php300 hanggang Php440 kada sako. Samantala, ang presyo ng mga fishing supply ay nag-iiba depende sa uri ng kagamitan.

Karaniwang mabibili ang kanilang mga produkto sa public market at mga lokal na komunidad sa San Lorenzo, habang ang kanilang value-added salt products ay naipapakita at naibebenta rin sa mga trade fairs at market events tulad ng Kadiwa ng Pangulo, agri-trade fairs, at iba pang food at fisheries exhibitions sa Guimaras at sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Western Visayas. Ang kanilang rock at table salt ay naipapamahagi rin sa mga mamimili at buyers sa loob ng rehiyon.

Para sa mga nais bumili o mag-order, maaaring makipag-ugnayan kay Johnny G. Galas, Pangulo ng samahan, sa 0948-963-9786 o 0916-462-9945, o bisitahin ang kanilang page: M. Chavez Salt Producers Association.

Source: Airah Mae Cabangal, BFAR - SAAD Western Visayas PRDC Unit

As we begin the sacred journey of this year’s Holy Week, Palm Sunday reminds us of a moment of both praise and humility.
Across Christian traditions, this day invites us to pause, to remember, and to realign ourselves with values of compassion, service, and steadfast faith. It is a time to carry not just palms, but purpose — walking forward with renewed commitment to uplift others, especially those in need.
May this Palm Sunday inspire us to embrace humility in leadership, strength in service, and unity in faith as we journey together toward renewal and hope.

As we begin the sacred journey of this year’s Holy Week, Palm Sunday reminds us of a moment of both praise and humility.

Across Christian traditions, this day invites us to pause, to remember, and to realign ourselves with values of compassion, service, and steadfast faith. It is a time to carry not just palms, but purpose — walking forward with renewed commitment to uplift others, especially those in need.

May this Palm Sunday inspire us to embrace humility in leadership, strength in service, and unity in faith as we journey together toward renewal and hope.

𝗗𝗮𝗽𝗱𝗮𝗽 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝟳𝟭𝟬 𝗸𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝘀

Tangalan, Aklan—Reaping the rewards of their dedication, the Dapdap Mandaragat Association (DMA) generated a net income of Php71,700.00 after harvesting a total of 710 kilograms of milkfish from their fish cage, implemented under the Fisheries Production and Livelihood (FPL) Component of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program.

The milkfish was sold to a contracted buyer with deliveries scheduled to neighboring municipalities of Ibajay, Nabas, Banga, New Washington, and Boracay Island.

The members, 16 women and 6 men, plan to use the income generated from the harvest to expand their operations by establishing an additional fish cage in the area. The expansion is seen to increase production, generate more income, and create additional opportunities for DMA members, especially women, to participate in fisheries livelihoods.

Ms. Floravil T. Tayco, President of the Dapdap Mandaragat Association, thanks the members and the SAAD Program Phase 2, saying, “Abo gid nga saeamat sa BFAR nga kun siin sa anda nga pagtao it bulig nga kun siin hay naka pangaywa harvest kami sa amon nga cage ag raya hay mabahue nga bulig sa amon nga assosasyon nga makando dugang sa anong pangatlong cycle it fish cage ag dugang nga unit para maka paumwad sa among asosasyon."

(Thank you very much to the BFAR for the support they have provided. We have already completed two harvests from our fish cage, which has greatly helped our association sustain operations, move forward with a third production cycle, and plan for additional units to further improve and expand our association.)

Last year, the DMA harvested 984 kg of bangus from the same project. The fish cage was first operated by the association in 2024.

This achievement, especially during National Women’s Month, highlights how women in DMA play a vital role in driving the success of the project. Their active participation in shared responsibilities reflects growing empowerment and strengthens inclusive development in the fisheries sector. # # #



About DA-BFAR SAAD Phase II
The DA-BFAR Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program aims to help reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities. The program supports poor fishing sectors through interventions that complement DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. Through these efforts, BFAR-SAAD continues to strengthen food security and promote inclusive economic growth in priority areas across the Philippines.