30/10/2026
#𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 | 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑-𝟏𝟎 𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬
𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡, 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗻— Sixteen members of the Punta Catarman Community Fishing Association (PCCFA) completed a two-day training session on proper fish handling, held here from September 23 to 24, 2026. The initiative was spearheaded by BFAR-10’s SAAD Program Phase II through its Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) to equip participants with proper post-harvest handling techniques to maintain the freshness, quality, and safety of their catch and help preserve its market value.
Lea L. Bucog, Alternate OIC of BFAR-10’s Post-Harvest and Marketing Section (PHMS) served as the resource person. She discussed the critical role of correct fish handling in mitigating spoilage and minimizing post-harvest losses.
Participants distinguished fresh fish from spoiled ones by assessing the eyes, gills, flesh, skin, odor, and overall appearance. They learned the science behind fish spoilage. The session also discussed post-mortem changes, including rigor mortis, autolysis, and microbial spoilage, and the effects of time, temperature, handling, sanitation, and capture-related stress on fish quality.
The training emphasized immediate cooling and proper handling of fish after capture. The trainer also explained that using equal parts of fish and ice by weight (a 1:1 ratio) is the best way to keep the catch fresh and stop bacteria from growing.
The training also encompassed standard protocols for fish landing, storage, transportation, and market distribution. These practices involve using clean containers, ensuring adequate ice and proper drainage, preventing physical damage and contamination, and maintaining the cold chain from landing to market.
The training also encompassed standard protocols for fish landing, storage, transportation, and market distribution. These benchmarks require utilizing sanitized containers, maintaining optimal icing and drainage, preventing physical abrasion or cross-contamination, and strictly preserving the cold chain from the point of landing to retail markets.
Meanwhile, Chito Ponlaroche, Vice president of the PCCFA, expressed his gratitude for the training which provided valuable knowledge on proper fish catch handling and helped correct misconceptions about post-harvest practices.
“Dako akong pasalamat sa BFAR-SAAD Program Phase II kay nakahatag kini kanamo ug dugang nga impormasyon ug kahibalo, labi na sa insaktong pag-handle sa isda after capture. Dugang pa niana, nagtuo mi nga ang among nahibaloan tama na apan dili diay. Maong dako among pasalamat tungod kay na-correct ang among sayop nga pagtuo,” he said.
Moreover, the sessions reinforced five essential principles of proper fish catch handling: handle gently, cool quickly, keep clean, maintain the cold chain, and protect quality until marketing.
Through SAAD Phase II, BFAR-10 continues to strengthen the capacity of fisherfolk beneficiaries by promoting proper post-harvest practices that can help reduce losses and improve the quality and marketability of their catch.
In attendance to support the activity were members of the Provincial Fisheries Office in Camiguin, including SAAD Community Organizer Esrellita L. Pacon, SAAD Report Officer Marie Sol B. Buntag, and SAAD Area Coordinator Mark Bryan J. Calabroso.
𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗗𝗔-𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝗔𝗔𝗗 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟮
The Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-BFAR-SAAD) Program Phase 2 aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and support for poor fishing sectors. These interventions intend to complement the DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. The BFAR-SAAD strives to enhance food security and promote economic growth in targeted areas across the Philippines.
𝗦𝗔𝗔𝗗, 𝗸𝗮𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗮𝗱 𝗻𝗮 𝗯𝘂𝗵𝗮𝘆!
