LAGAWE, Ifugao (PIA) - - Hingyon fisherfolk  are now benefitting from  the livelihood assistance provided by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the region under the Special Area for Agricultural Development Program (SAAD) Phase II.

Members of the  Naluwah Farmers and Fisherfolk Organizations (NFFO) harvested  96 kilos of tilapia during the “Aldaw ti Panagkalap” (harvest field day) at Binnaliw, Cababuyan South, Hingyon recently.

As reported by BFAR-SAAD, the harvest  of 96 kilos  was done in a  400 square meter  fishpond area managed by Manuel Dinamling and Nobelio Babbayong after  culture period of four months.

This also  showcased  the livelihood technology and intervention for possible adaptation of interested fisherfolk and other stakeholders.

The NFFO  together with the Iwang Farmers and Fisherfolks Organization of Poblacion received from  BFAR 46,000 fingerlings and 460 bags of assorted feeds  in  April 2023  for  the livelihood project. The two groups have combined pond area  of  37,160 sqm. Harvest  will   also be  set in the other pond areas.

The BFAR also provided  additional postharvest equipment  to the  Hingyon fisherfolks such as 10 p pieces  crates, two units of a 10-kg capacity weighing scales, one unit of a 60-kg capacity weighing scale, and two units 36-m harvest nets.

Representatives from BFAR – Cordillera, local government unit of Hingyon and other government agencies and the community participated in the  Aldaw ti Panagkalap  where they got to taste of the locally produced tilapia. 

BFAR – CAR Regional Director Lilibeth Signey disclosed that the municipalities of Hingyon and Asipulo are the pilot areas of the SAAD program in the province that  aims to reduce poverty incidence       and local food production activation through livelihood assistance for marginalized farmers and fishers. (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao with report from Hingyon MAO)