Talusan, Zamboanga Sibugay, APRIL 24, 2024 – The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Region 9 under Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II through the Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO) with the Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) in collaboration with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Talusan, provided the Talusan Badjao Fisherfolk Association with 20 complete sets of multiple hook and line fishing gears, insulated coolers, and 40 jumbo-sized
polysterene boxes.
The goal of the project is to improve the association’s fishing efficiency and post-catch handling. These resources were chosen based on the Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA) conducted prior to distribution to ensure that these are aligned with the unique needs and aspirations of the recipient community.
The Talusan Badjao Fisherfolk Association is primarily made up of Badjao members, who are often considered underprivileged. Ms. Sarah P. Alvarez, President of the said association expressed her
gratitude towards the team for choosing them as beneficiaries of the project.
Following the distribution ceremony, the team, accompanied by LGU personnel, conducted a site validation for a prospective Marine Cage Grouper (Lapu-lapu) Culture project. Two potential sites
were thoroughly assessed to determine their suitability for cultivating the valuable commodity.