24/05/2026
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๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐
๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ฌ, ๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐
Recognizing the importance of sound business practices such as proper record keeping and effective customer relations in building sustainable enterprises, the Provincial Project Management Support Office (PPMSO) of Southern Leyte conducted a comprehensive Training on Records and Information Management and Customer Relationship Management for the Punod Farmers Association (PuFA) on May 11, 2026.
The activity, implemented under the Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) component of the BFAR SAAD Phase II Program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, was carried out in convergence with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pintuyan. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to equip fisherfolk beneficiaries with both technical production inputs and essential business development skills, ensuring that livelihood projects evolve into sustainable community-based enterprises.
To provide technical guidance on enterprise management, DTI resource persons facilitated the learning sessions. Engr. Detlev Mindajao, Negosyo Center Business Counselor, led the discussion on Records and Information Management, underscoring the importance of proper documentation in sustaining and growing a micro-enterprise. He emphasized that systematic record-keeping serves as the backbone of sound business operations, enabling entrepreneurs to track transactions, monitor performance, and make informed decisions. Participants were also introduced to simplified tools and practical methods for organizing daily business data.
Complementing this, Ms. Eva Mae Angana, Negosyo Center Trade and Industry Development Analyst, discussed Customer Relationship Management (CRM) as a strategic approach to building and sustaining market relationships. She highlighted the value of understanding customer behavior, responding effectively to needs, and fostering long-term trust to ensure repeat patronage and business stability.
Beyond the core training topics, the DTI team also presented its broader suite of support programs for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These include the Negosyo Center services, Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program, Brand Equity Development initiatives, and various financing and market access opportunities. The session further introduced the โ7 Msโ framework for MSME development, providing PuFA members with a structured guide for strengthening their enterprise capabilities and growth direction.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the association, PuFA Vice President Gregorio E. Arong shared how the intervention has significantly contributed to their livelihood development.
โSa ngalan sa among asosasyon, daghang salamat sa DTI sa maayong pagpasabot kanamo kon unsaon pag-atubang ang among mga kustomer; dako gayod kaayo kini nga tabang. Mapasalamaton usab ako sa BFAR-SAAD tungod sa inyong walay hunong nga pagsuporta. Kon wala pa kini nga programa, wala unta kamiโy proyekto sa panginabuhian karon,โ Arong said.
(On behalf of our association, I am very grateful to the DTI for clearly teaching us how to properly engage with our customersth, this training is truly a big help. I am also thankful to BFAR-SAAD for their immense support. Without this program, we wouldn't have a sustainable livelihood project today.)
He added that the training provided practical knowledge that the association can directly apply in managing their growing enterprise.
Closing the activity, Provincial Fisheries Officer (PFO) Rowvic Docena underscored the importance of collaboration in sustaining community-based enterprises. He expressed appreciation to the DTI for its continued support and emphasized that strong partnerships are essential in transforming fisherfolk associations into self-reliant and sustainable Community-Based Enterprises (CBEs).
PFO Docena also encouraged the participants to maximize the holistic support provided under SAAD Phase II, which combines production assistance with enterprise capability-building. He reminded the association that many successful enterprises began as small initiatives sustained by discipline, learning, and commitment, urging PuFA to continue building on its current gains with a long-term development mindset.
For 2026, seven (7) partially established fisherfolk association Community-Based Enterprises (CBEs) in the province under the program will be provided with a series of market-related training activities designed to reinforce their enterprise development capacity, market competitiveness, and sustainability.
๐บ๐จ๐จ๐ซ, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐!
24/05/2026
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๐๐-๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ง ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ ๐
๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐
๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐, ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ง ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ โ In line with its continuing commitment to empower fisherfolk communities and strengthen sustainable livelihood enterprises, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources โ Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program conducted an Entrepreneurial Development Training for members of the Brgy. Association of Farmers and Fisherfolk managing the Tilapia in Pond Project on May 19, 2026, in Victoria, Northern Samar.
Conducted in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Local Government Unit of Victoria, the activity aimed to strengthen the entrepreneurial and business management skills of the 16 association-member beneficiaries to support the sustainability and growth of their tilapia production micro-enterprise.
The training emphasized the importance of business in generating income, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to community development. Participants also gained insights into the role of associations in livelihood development and responsible resource utilization, while learning the risks and responsibilities involved in managing an enterprise. Key entrepreneurial traits discussed included persistence, strategic planning, networking, commitment to work, and self-confidence.
The discussion likewise covered the basic steps in starting and managing a business, including identifying available skills and resources, understanding market demand, selecting appropriate products or services, and preparing a business plan to minimize risks and improve operations.
This initiative forms part of the broader goal of the BFAR-SAAD Program through its Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) component, which aims to strengthen community-based enterprises by enhancing the entrepreneurial capacities, market readiness, and organizational sustainability of fisherfolk associations.
In Northern Samar, a total of five (5) fisherfolk associations under the program from the municipalities of San Jose, Lapinig, Laoang, and Victoria are currently classified as partially established Community-Based Enterprises (CBEs).
๐บ๐จ๐จ๐ซ, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐!
24/05/2026
| ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐๐ซ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ค ๐๐๐ซ๐ง โฑ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐๐
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ
Members of the Gigoso Fisherfolk Association (GFA) successfully harvested 1,147.6 kilograms of trevally (buringon), generating โฑ229,520.00 in gross sales under the Lambaklad project of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources โ Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR SAAD) Phase II Program on May 23, 2026. This marks the groupโs highest recorded yield since the start of its operation.
The Gigoso Fisherfolk Association became a beneficiary of the program in 2025, receiving a โฑ2.5 million Lambaklad project package. The intervention also included a series of capacity-building trainings and technical assistance to strengthen the associationโs organizational capacity and support the establishment and management of its fisheries-based livelihood.
Since commencing operations in April 2026, the association has recorded a cumulative production of approximately 1.2 tons of high-value fish species, with total gross income reaching โฑ232,694.00. Income generated from the project will be utilized to support the associationโs operational and organizational requirements, including production inputs and other livelihood development activities.
GFA is one of the twenty-nine fisherfolk associations supported under the BFAR-SAAD Program in Eastern Samar through the Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO), which continues to implement โฑ10.8 million worth of targeted interventions in the second semester of this year to strengthen community-based fisheries enterprises. The Bureau remains committed to sustaining technical assistance and support to ensure the continued productivity and long-term sustainability of assisted fisherfolk organizations.
๐บ๐จ๐จ๐ซ, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐!
16/05/2026
๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ณ๐ผ๐น๐ธ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป ๐ฃ๐ต๐ฝ ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ฎ,๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐ฎ.๐ฒ-๐ง๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ง๐ต๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต ๐ฆ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ธ๐น๐ฎ๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ท๐ฒ๐ฐ๐
๐๐๐ช๐๐๐ก, ๐๐๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ก ๐ฆ๐๐ ๐๐ฅ| The Lawaan Seaside Fisherfolks Association (LSFA) successfully harvested 2.6 tons of high-value fish species, including giant trevally, from the coastal waters of Lawaan on May 14-16, 2026, through the Lambaklad Project under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II.
Sold at an affordable market price of Php 220 per kilogram, the fresh catch generated an estimated gross income of Php 572,000 for the fisherfolk association, benefiting both local consumers and community members who rely on fishing as their primary source of livelihood.
The LSFA began operating the Php 2.5million Lambaklad Project in early 2025 and has since recorded a cumulative harvest of 4.3 tons of high-value marine species from the fishing grounds of Lawaan. For the association, the project has become a vital source of income, especially amid rising fuel and operational costs in the fishing industry.
LSFA is among the 29 fisherfolk organizations in Eastern Samar assisted under the program. This year, the association is set to receive additional project input support and market-related training aimed at strengthening its operational efficiency and marketing capabilities.
Through the Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) in Eastern Samar, the Bureau remains committed to uplifting the lives of fisherfolk across Eastern Visayas by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and promoting inclusive fisheries development.
๐บ๐จ๐จ๐ซ, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐!
10/05/2026
| ๐๐๐ฐ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ช๐ฎ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐จ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ค๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ก ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐๐ซ ๐๐
๐๐-๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ
๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐- Months of dedication and collective effort have finally paid off for the members of the Brgy. Maslog Fishermenโs Association (BaMFA), a beneficiary of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) โ Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, after harvesting 310 kilograms of milkfish from their managed cage culture, generating Php62,000.00 in gross sales project on May 7, 2026.
BaMFA has been engaged in Php1.3 million worth of milkfish culture using High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) cages including fingerlings, aquafeeds, and other essential inputs since 2023 under the SAAD Program. Since the start of operations, the association has recorded a total production of two (2) tons, with cumulative sales amounting to PHP 472,480.00, reflecting the growing viability of their aquafarming enterprise.
To sustain and further build on these gains, the Provincial Project Management Support Office (PPMSO) Eastern Samar is set to provide additional input support, including fingerlings, aquafeeds, and training initiatives in the second semester of this year. These interventions will support the associationโs plan for cage expansion to further strengthen the productivity, resilience, and sustainability of their aquaculture operations.
BaMFA is among the 29 fisherfolk associations in Eastern Samar benefiting from the SAAD Program, which has collectively provided fisheries intervention support valued at approximately PHP 10.8 million, aimed at strengthening food security, improving livelihoods, and promoting sustainable fisheries-based enterprises across the province.
๐บ๐จ๐จ๐ซ, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐!
10/05/2026
| ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐
๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐๐ซ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ค ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ข๐๐๐จ๐ง๐ , ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐- A renewed sense of hope fills Barangay Jian-an as members of the Jian-an Tahong and Fisherfolk Association celebrate their successful partial harvest of grouper under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) โ Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Programโs Grouper Culture in Cage Project on May 5, 2026.
The association harvested a total of 105.2 kilograms of grouper, with individual fish weighing between 500 to 1,100 grams. Sold at PHP 400 per kilogram, the harvest generated PHP 40,136.00 in gross sales, providing both income and encouragement to the community.
Faced with a major setback in the early phase of implementation, their fish cage was intentionally damaged by unidentified intruders, resulting in the loss of their initial stock and casting doubt on the viability of the project. This challenge tested the associationโs unity and resolve.
โAn mga miyembro nadire na ngane magpadayon hine na project kay makahurulop an nanabo pero nahunahunaan namon na dire la kami mawawarayan project, pati gihapon an oportunidad nga igkakahatag han project.โ shared Letecia Nablo Labrague, association President.
(Some members were discouraged and hesitant to continue, but we realized that if we stopped, we would lose not only the project, but the opportunity it brings.)
Determined to move forward, the association introduced key improvements in their operations. These included stricter monitoring of the fish cages and the establishment of a rotational guarding system among members, ensuring accountability, shared responsibility, and protection of their livelihood assets. These measures proved effective, paving the way for the current successful harvest.
Mrs. Labrague expressed heartfelt gratitude to partners and supporters who stood by them throughout the process saying, โDako na salamat han iyo suporta hine na amon association labi na han amon mga members ngan amon project. Damo nga salamat han makagarahom nga gintagan kami hini nga grasya. Daku gud an amon pasalamat nga kami gintapuran niyo pinaagi hini nga assistance.โ
(We are deeply grateful for the support given to our association, especially to our members and our project. We thank the Almighty for this blessing. We truly appreciate the trust given to us through this assistance.)
With renewed confidence, the association is set to continue its production cycle, with the next harvest expected in August 2026.
Since becoming partner-beneficiaries of the program in 2023, the association has received livelihood support under the Grouper in Cage project amounting to Php490,201.00, consisting of essential production inputs such as grouper fingerlings, nets, rope, bamboo poles, nylon, and other materials that enabled the successful establishment and operation of their fish cage enterprise.
The Provincial Project Management Support Office (PPMSO) Samar remains firmly committed to advancing sustainable and resilient fisherfolk communities through continued support interventions for its twenty-four (24) covered groups under the program. This includes the provision of additional production inputs and the implementation of capacity-building initiatives scheduled for the second semester of this year.
By strengthening both technical capabilities and livelihood resources, the province aims to further empower fisherfolk to overcome economic and social challenges and ensure the long-term sustainability of their fisheries-based enterprises.
๐บ๐จ๐จ๐ซ, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐!
02/05/2026
Million-Peso Milestone: Leyte Fisherfolk Hit Record Catch with Eco-Friendly Lambaklad Gear
By SAMARNEWS.COM
April 30, 2026
CATBALOGAN CITY โ The Golden Fish Warrior Fisherfolk Association (GFWFA), a beneficiary of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources โ Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Program, has set a new record after earning P1,039,820.00 in gross income from a single overnight fishing operation on April 27, 2026 in the coastal waters of Tolosa, Leyte.
Using its Set Net (Lambaklad) project, the association hauled in 5.7 tons of high-value fish species, including giant trevally (Mamsa). This is now the highest recorded production since the Lambaklad project began operations in 2024.
The latest harvest also surpassed GFWFAโs previous peak production of 3,032.15 kilograms recorded in November 2025, underscoring the growing productivity and profitability of the fisherfolk-managed enterprise.
Since receiving assistance under the BFAR-SAAD Program, GFWFA has accumulated a total production of 20.5 tons of high-value species, generating an overall gross income of P4,023,606.75. For the associationโs members, these gains translate into better incomes, more stable livelihoods, and stronger support for their families and community.
Lambaklad as a Game-Changer for Coastal Communities
The success of GFWFA is being hailed as a concrete example of how sustainable fishing technologies can uplift coastal communities while protecting the countryโs aquatic resources.
In line with the governmentโs commitment to ensuring accessible and affordable food for all Filipinos, the BFARโCapture Fisheries Division (BFAR-CFD) is actively promoting innovative and eco-friendly fishing methods that boost fish production without degrading marine ecosystems.
At the center of this effort is Lambaklad, also known as set-net, a Japanese-derived technology called otoshi-ami. The gear is being introduced in the Philippines through a collaborative initiative between government and private sector partners.
Unlike highly extractive fishing methods, Lambaklad is designed as a selective fishing approach. It uses a system of nets, floaters, and stakes to form a barrier that guides target fish into a central net, while allowing non-target and juvenile species to escape. This helps maintain ecological balance and supports the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.
Sustainable Livelihood, Stronger Food Security
BFARโs promotion of Lambaklad aims not only to improve catch volumes but also to provide a reliable and sustainable source of livelihood for fisherfolk, many of whom belong to some of the most economically vulnerable sectors in the country.
By pairing technology support with community-based management through associations like GFWFA, the program helps fisherfolk transition from small, uncertain daily catches to more organized, higher-value production systems.
The GFWFAโs million-peso overnight haul illustrates how modern, sustainable fishing practices can directly benefit local communities, contribute to national food security, and ensure that the countryโs rich marine resources are responsibly managed for future generations.
01/05/2026
| ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐๐ง ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ ๐
๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง ๐
๐ข๐ฌ๐ก ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐
๐จ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐
SOUTHERN LEYTE- The Somoje Pong-oy Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc. (SoPoFIA) from San Juan, Southern Leyte, a 15-member fisherfolk group under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources โ Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD), strengthened its technical competencies through a training on Fish Handling, Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) held on April 29, 2026.
The activity was conducted to enhance the tilapia farmersโ understanding of proper fish handling techniques and post-harvest hygiene practices, with emphasis on maintaining product quality, reducing spoilage, and ensuring safe and marketable fish products. The training also aimed to reinforce the associationโs capability in handling both fresh tilapia and processed products in line with basic food safety standards applied in local fisheries enterprises.
For SoPoFIA, the training is seen as a timely intervention as the group continues to develop its aquaculture-based livelihood. Aside from tilapia production, the association occasionally engages in tilanggit processing as an additional source of income, making post-harvest handling and product presentation an essential part of their operations. The skills gained from the training are expected to directly support these value-adding activities and improve overall product quality.
โAng atong isda ug ang atong baligya, mahalin kay nindot man tan-awon kung igsakto ang atong harvest, sakto na pagapahiluna ba, mao nang kinahanglan gyud ang proper na pag handle sa isda,โ said Ana Marissa T. Bungcaras, a member of SoPoFIA, underscoring the importance of proper handling practices in ensuring better product appeal and market acceptance.
(๐๐ช๐ง ๐๐๐จ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐ฅ๐ง๐ค๐๐ช๐๐ฉ๐จ ๐จ๐๐ก๐ก ๐๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ง ๐ฌ๐๐๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฎ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐ง๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ก๐ฎ ๐๐๐ง๐ซ๐๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ก๐ก-๐ฅ๐ง๐๐จ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐. ๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐จ ๐ฌ๐๐ฎ ๐๐ค๐ง๐ง๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ก๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐จ ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ฎ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ค๐ง๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐ฃ๐จ๐ช๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ช๐๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ฎ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ข๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ฎ.)
The association currently operates three fishponds under the BFAR-SAAD Tilapia in Pond Project, which serve as their primary production base and continue to support their livelihood activities.
Through sustained capacity-building initiatives, BFAR-SAAD continues to equip fisherfolk organizations with practical knowledge and skills that strengthen both production efficiency and post-harvest management. These interventions form part of the programโs broader goal of developing more competitive, food-safe, and community-driven aquaculture enterprises in rural areas. # # #
๐บ๐จ๐จ๐ซ, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐!