Iloilo City- The DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 6 has allocated Php 28 million for the 2025 implementation of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, to support fisherfolk associations across Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental. To ensure effective planning, the agency conducted a two-day planning workshop and year-end review last December 11 and 12, 2024.
The activity, led by the Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO), gathered 30 participants from the Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) and Area Coordinators. Discussions focused on financial allocations, project targets, and strategies for the program’s key components: Social Preparation, Fisheries Production and Livelihood (FPL), Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED), and Program Management.
The workshop also reviewed 2024 accomplishments, which exceeded targets for livelihood assistance and MAED projects, achieving 115% and 108% completion rates, respectively. Participants shared best practices, addressed challenges, and finalized the operational plan for 2025.
Mr. AC Clavero, RPMSO 6 Planning Staff, reiterated the program’s goal of reducing poverty and empowering fisherfolk through sustainable livelihood projects. He emphasized the importance of innovation and strategic governance in achieving food security and supporting marginalized sectors in the fisheries industry.###