BFAR-Kalinga lines up P10M worth of livelihood projects for 2021

Tabuk City, Kalinga―The Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources- Kalinga (BFAR) is granting PhP10 million worth of livelihood projects for year 2021 in the province.

655 units of aquatic livelihood projects shall be given to beneficiaries.

This 2021 shall be the last of the 3-year implementation and provision of assistance for fishery under the SAAD program which started in the year 2019.

Of the 655 units of livelihood projects, 623 units are allotted for fishpond project, 2 units for fish cage project, and 30 units for the rice loach production.

For 2019, said program had the highest input amounting to PhP15 million which benefited 1,154 recipients of fish pond project, more than 7 recipients of fish cage project, and other funds were utilized on fishing gears for fish catchers, and trainings.

While on its second year with PhP12 million fund, 1,345 were grantees of the fish pond project, more than 4 recipients of the fish cage project, and fishing gears. Other intended projects under the year were not implemented due to the restrictions of the COVID-19.

One of the main objectives of the SAAD program is to uplift the living conditions of these marginal fishermen. The bureau intends to empower small-scale fisher folks into an independent and self-sustaining association instead of relying mainly on the government projects.