TACLOBAN CITY – The Barangay Binalayan East Fisherfolk Association in Maripipi, Biliran, has achieved its first successful Lambaklad harvest under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Phase 2 program.
On their initial haul since the project’s full installation on April 4, 2025, the group yielded 410 kilos of assorted fish, including giant trevally, diamond trevally, Indian mackerel, queenfish, and red big eye.
From this total, 264.8 kilos were sold locally at P120–P180 per kilo, generating P41,000 in revenue. The sales not only benefitted the association financially but also provided island residents with affordable, locally sourced seafood.
To ensure sustainability and member participation, the group agreed to equitably share a portion of the daily catch among active members for household consumption. The remaining harvest is sold, with 50% of the income distributed weekly to members and the other 50% deposited into the group’s savings account. Minor operational expenses are funded through monthly member dues.
The Lambaklad project stems from the association’s active participation in the 2024 Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), which identified their specific livelihood needs.
This led to the awarding of a P2.6 million livelihood package, which covered the installation of the Lambaklad gear, necessary equipment, and capacity-building training.
Further support is on the way in 2025, with BFAR-SAAD set to provide a chilling/harvesting tank, chest freezer, 15 fishing crates, and two weighing scales to further strengthen the association’s post-harvest operations.
This marks a promising start for the fisherfolk of Binalayan East and a testament to the effectiveness of the SAAD program in empowering grassroots communities through sustainable and inclusive livelihood support.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
