BUTUAN CITY -- With its prospering bangus production, the Anunang Gamut Fishermen Association (AGFA) of Barobo, Surigao del Sur was lauded by the World Bank, the DA-Philippine Rural Development Project's (DA-PRDP) primary fund source during the 13th World Bank Mission.
The featured proponent group of the Enterprise Component in Mindanao under the PRDP Caraga showcased how they sustained and improved their project since the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) funding in 2011 up to the present.
"Despite the challenges, we remained dedicated to our goal to make this association a prosperous one. We never gave up on this and now we are very pleased to see how far we have come," Manuel Cahilis, AGFA chairperson said.
World Bank consultants recognized the efforts of AGFA saying that the association has impressively improved its project and will succeed in the coming years.
"Thank you for showcasing your enterprise. It's good to see the progress that you have done from MRDP up to PRDP - all the developments and the greater works that you have been doing. We are looking forward to seeing your enterprise in person and tasting your Bangus," Eli Weiss, World Bank task team leader said.
The Bangus Production and Marketing Enterprise subproject amounting to P1.4 million provided additional 30,000 garungan or fingerlings, feeds, and expansion of fish pens paving the way towards increased production and improved market quality of bangus in Barobo.
Fingerlings are reared in 10x15m growing pens. Initially, the production only involved a 400-square meter area within the Municipal Mariculture Park of Barobo Bay. However, the area was doubled to accommodate a total of three pens and considerations for future expansion.
Jim Hancock, Natural Resource Management Officer of Food Agriculture Organization also noted that the bangus deboning and bottling is a great value-adding business for the group and their community, thus encouraging them to pursue their plans.
Finally, AGFA assured that their group will continue to go beyond the horizons and achieve a flourishing bangus production and marketing in Barobo. (DA-RFO XIII, RAFIS/PIA-Caraga)
