In the heart of the island barangay of Sibato, where seaweed farming and fishing define daily life, a quiet transformation is unfolding. What was once a small, struggling fisherfolk group is now gaining attention for its steady progress. Thanks to seaweeds, savings, and the steadfast determination of the islanders.

The Sibato Islanders Fisherfolks Association (SIFA), a 44-member group with 23 males and 21 females, has been reaping the rewards of hard work and sustained support from the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office VI (DA-BFAR 6) through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program.

In 2024, the group achieved several breakthroughs. With training and support, SIFA members began venturing into value-adding activities, turning their seaweed harvest into processed goods. They produced 167 bottles of seaweed pickles and 2,583 packs of seaweed chips, earning a total of Php42,600.

SIFA members primarily cultivate Eucheuma spinosum and E. cottonii, with the latter commanding a higher market value. Their foray into post-harvest processing gave them a new stream of income, but the biggest breakthrough was yet to come.

What makes this achievement more impressive is that their products made it off the island, reaching customers in Semirara and San Jose in Antique and even as far as the provinces of Bulacan and Romblon. SIFA’s 2024 success was built on solid groundwork laid the year before. In 2023, the association received 35 sets of seaweed farm implements and gillnets from the Bureau through the SAAD Program Phase 2.

Using these and the seaweed culture project ventured into in 2024, they harvested 42.7 metric tons of dried seaweed, generating Php988,658 in sales. They also caught 2,069 kilograms of fish, bringing in another Php189,370—proof that with the right tools and guidance, small-scale operations can thrive.

Combined, these figures brought the association’s total gross earnings to over Php1.2 million in just one year.

“Ang seaweed seedlings nga ginhatag kanamon bahol gid nga bulig,” said SIFA President Lito Operiano, describing how BFAR’s support made it possible for members to invest in their families and livelihoods. “Nakabakal kami ka amon pampboat, nakabulig sa tuition kang amon mga estudyante, kag ang iban nakapa-repair ka ila balay.”

(The seaweed seedlings really helped us. Some members were able to buy pump boats, support their children’s education, and repair their homes.)

He added, “Dako gid amon pasalamat sa DA-BFAR nga duro pagid nga livelihood program ang amon nabaton, kag sa mga training nga nakapadugang pagid kaalaman sa amon mga member.”

(We’re truly grateful for the many livelihood programs and the training that helped increase our members’ knowledge.)

That same year, the Bureau also introduced SIFA to the FishForever Savings Club in partnership with Rare Philippines. It’s a simple concept with powerful results where members set aside part of their income regularly, building the habit of saving. By December 2024, all 44 members had saved a total of Php161,844, and during the share-out, one member received Php16,468.56, which became a tangible reward for disciplined savings.

Sibato, home to nearly a thousand registered fisherfolk, is one of the many island communities in Caluya where seaweed farming and fishing are a way of life. Despite being part of a first-class municipality, Caluya’s 30.27% poverty incidence remains a challenge.

Now, SIFA is looking ahead. With plans to expand their aquaculture efforts and post-harvest activities, the group is determined to establish itself as a recognized producer of seaweed-based products in Caluya and beyond.

Their story is a reminder that progress doesn’t always come in leaps. Sometimes, it’s the seedling planted, a peso set aside, or a product sold. In a way, seaweeds and savings saved the Sibato Islanders.