SAGUDAY, Quirino — The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office No. 2 (DA-BFAR RO2), through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Project, recorded a total tilapia harvest of 3,221 kilograms from the SAMALAPAZ Association in Barangay La Paz, Saguday, Quirino, as members continue to attain productive yields and express plans to expand their aquaculture areas following the project’s positive outcomes.

On September 25, 2025, member Alejandro Pagbilao harvested 542 kilograms of tilapia from a 1,300-square-meter pond stocked with 6,500 fingerlings. He recorded another harvest of 496 kilograms on October 6, 2025, marking a strong yield from his fishpond operation.

Following his success, other association members achieved commendable results. On October 14, Elvira Viernes harvested 59 kilograms of tilapia from her 500-square-meter pond stocked with 2,500 fingerlings. This was followed by Rudy Ancheta on October 20, who obtained 852 kilograms from a 1,000-square-meter pond stocked with 5,000 fingerlings.

Continuing the productive streak, Jimmy Sumalbag harvested 857 kilograms of tilapia on October 22 from a 1,000-square-meter pond stocked with 5,000 fingerlings. Completing the series of harvests, Marites Cariazo gathered 415 kilograms from her 640-square-meter pond stocked with 3,200 fingerlings on October 23, 2025.

Encouraged by these promising yields, other members of the association have expressed their intent to expand their fishpond areas, while additional harvests are expected next month (November) as other beneficiaries prepare to harvest from their respective ponds.

These consistent and substantial yields underscore the positive impact of the BFAR SAAD Project in advancing aquaculture-based livelihoods. The bureau continues to assist fisherfolk associations like SAMALAPAZ through technical support, provision of inputs, and regular monitoring to ensure sustainable fish production and improved living conditions in rural communities.

Through these collective efforts, the SAMALAPAZ Association stands as a model of successful community-based aquaculture, demonstrating that with proper management and government support, small-scale fish farmers can achieve both productivity and sustainability. (Roxanne Pacios, PFO Quirino)