TACLOBAN CITY – Fisherfolk in Tolosa, Leyte have seen immediate returns from the Set Net (Lambaklad) project granted through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) initiative.
Just 12 days after installation, the Golden Fish Warrior Fisherfolk Association (GFWFA) harvested 1.4 tons of assorted fish, generating over P277,593 in revenue from catches made between October 11 and 22, 2024.
The 31 members of GFWFA successfully caught various fish species, including trevally, barracuda, queen fish, batfish, pompano, mackerel, blue marlin, bigeye tuna, yellowtail and torpedo scad, angelfish, lizardfish, pomfret, and white tongue jack. These were sold within Tolosa and to local buyers at market prices ranging from P170-P280 per kilo.
GFWFA joined the SAAD program’s Phase II this year, where they participated in social preparation activities, capacity-building, and specialized training focused on sustainable fishing practices, as well as operational and maintenance skills for the Lambaklad project.
“Thank you, SAAD, for giving us hope to improve our livelihoods. As long as we’re here, we’ll ensure this project thrives and succeeds,” said Erwin Sarino, GFWFA president.
As a program beneficiary, GFWFA received P2.2 million in Lambaklad inputs, fulfilling the program’s Food Production and Livelihood component.
“The entire group is grateful for the support SAAD has given us. This is a big help for our daily needs, especially for our senior members who can no longer go far out to sea,” said Basilio Zabala, a senior member and vice president of the association.
In 2025, the Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) of Leyte, led by provincial fishery officer Loreginia Briones, will continue supporting the association with Capability Enhancement Training on Values, Advocacy, Networking, and Linkages.
The program will also provide post-harvest materials and techniques to diversify income sources and ensure sustained profitability.
For 2024, a total of P9.18 million has been allocated to PPMSO Leyte to support eight fisherfolk associations comprising 264 marginalized members across municipalities classified as 5th and 6th class income areas.
These projects, designed to aid some of the province’s poorest communities, include Bangus Production in HDPE Cages, Tilapia Production in Ponds, and Raft Oyster Culture with Aquasilviculture, Shallow Water Payao projects, and the Lambaklad project itself.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
