BFAR SAAD Zamboanga Peninsula

Sharing from DA - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program

“Development communication serves as a bridge between our programs and the people we serve. As communicators, we have the responsibility to tell the stories behind every accomplishment, highlighting how government investments translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of farmers and fishers.

By intensifying our communication and promotional efforts, we can raise awareness, strengthen public trust, and encourage stakeholders and policymakers to continue supporting programs that directly serve poor farmers and fisherfolk and create lasting impact in our communities.

One such program is the SAAD, which employs poverty targeting, and our role as development communicators is how to get the message across.”

𝐔𝐋𝐘𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐉. 𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐀, 𝐉𝐑.
𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃-𝐍𝐏𝐌𝐎
𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘵 3 𝘪𝘯 𝘝𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘯 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘐𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘴 𝘚𝘶𝘳 | 𝘔𝘢𝘺 26, 2026





Department of Agriculture - Philippines

Sharing from DA - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program

The Department of Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) joins our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating 𝐄𝐢𝐝 𝐚𝐥-𝐀𝐝𝐡𝐚.

May this day serve as a reminder of the values of faith, sacrifice, compassion, and generosity. As we honor this meaningful celebration, may it bring peace, blessings, and renewed hope to families and communities across the country.

DA-SAAD remains committed to fostering inclusive development and supporting farming and fishing communities toward a more resilient and prosperous future.

𝐄𝐢𝐝 𝐚𝐥-𝐀𝐝𝐡𝐚 𝐌𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐤!





Department of Agriculture - Philippines

As we celebrate Eid al-Adha, the BFAR Region 9 Family extends our warmest greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters.

May this blessed occasion bring peace, happiness, and renewed faith to every home and community. May the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, and unity continue to inspire us to care for one another and work together for a better future.

Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones.

— BFAR Region 9 Family

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗸 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

JOSEFINA, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, MAY 12-14, 2026 – The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources IX (DA-BFAR IX), through the SAAD Phase II Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) Program, conducted a Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development Cascading Activity for the Josefina Fisherfolk Association in Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur. The activity aimed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of the association members in enterprise development, market opportunities, and tilapia marketing to help improve their livelihood and income.

The activity officially started with a welcome message from Jonathan A. Conejos, OIC-Municipal Agriculturist of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Josefina Zamboanga del Sur. In his message, he highlighted the importance of conducting activities that can help fisherfolk and farmers improve their livelihood opportunities, especially in marketing their cultured tilapia products. According to Conejos, the activity serves as a new opportunity for local fisherfolk to explore possible markets and strengthen their knowledge in handling enterprise-related activities. He also emphasized that trainings and activities like this are important because farmers and fisherfolk need continuous support and guidance to improve their production and income.

During the activity, participants were introduced to topics on Market Benchmarking, Market Mapping, and organizational strengthening. Members also conducted interviews with fish vendors in potential markets in Mahayag, Molave, and Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur to identify possible market opportunities for their tilapia products.

The activity also encouraged members to share their experiences and challenges encountered in tilapia production and marketing. Discussions focused on identifying possible strategies to improve profitability following the results of the Enterprise Profitability Assessment, which showed low profit margins in the association’s aquaculture operations.

The activity reflects the continued commitment of DA-BFAR IX SAAD Phase II in supporting fisherfolk associations through capacity-building activities that promote sustainable livelihood and better economic opportunities for rural communities.

Writer: Jeric B. Cabus - Project assistant, PPMSO-ZDS
Photo credits: BFAR 9 SAAD MAED/RPMSO Personnel

DA - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program
BFAR - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program
DA - SAAD Zamboanga Peninsula
BFAR Region 9

SAAD kaagapay sa maunlad na buhay.

𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 2026: 𝐃𝐀 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑 𝐑9 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA | May 11-14, 2026 — The Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program has officially kicked off its annual "SAADventure" documentation trail, but this year comes with a significant twist. For the first time, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 9 have joined forces for a special Collaborative Edition of the flagship magazine.

The mission, which ran from May 11 to May 14, 2026, marked a significant milestone as both agencies integrated their efforts to highlight the diverse faces of success among livelihood beneficiaries across the Zamboanga Peninsula. Leading the national oversight for this documentation initiative were Joash David Ricanor, NPMO-PRDC Lead, along with NPMO-PRDC Information Officers Chris John Gamarcha and Jennifer Valcabero. Their expertise ensured that the storytelling remained aligned with the program’s core mission of poverty alleviation and food security.

The documentation team conducted a series of courtesy calls with Local Chief Executives and intensive field interviews to capture the lived experiences of organized farmers and fisherfolk. On the regional front, the team was bolstered by Nadzmar Abdulatip, Lead of OPBME, who provided critical monitoring and evaluation insights. Coordinating the narrative on the ground were Ellaine Quimco, DA-SAAD Region 9 Information Officer, Ruel Doromal from DA-RAFIS, alongside the BFAR-SAAD contingent represented by Information Officer Julnazar Halil and Technical Writer Maria Christina Gil. Also joining the core team were the dedicated Area Coordinators of SAAD and representatives from the Municipal Agriculture Offices, who provided essential local context and coordination for the site visits.

In Zamboanga del Sur, the team visited the Makulip Farmers Association in Brgy. Diana Countryside, Tigbao, and the Matim Farmers Association in the island municipality of Olutanga to monitor progress in agricultural productivity. The mission also extended to Zamboanga del Norte, where the 7M La Victoria Farmers Association in La Libertad shared their milestones in communal farming.

On the fisheries front, BFAR R9 facilitated visits to the Talusan Badjao Fisherfolk Association in Zamboanga Sibugay, alongside the Danan Small Fisherfolk Association in Vincenzo Sagun and the Sinipay Farfish Association in Sibutad. These site visits and interviews focused on the sustainable impact of SAAD’s interventions on the income and morale of local coastal communities.

This year’s collaborative publication aims to serve as a comprehensive record of how the DA and BFAR’s joint efforts continue to bridge the gap in food security and poverty alleviation within the region's most vulnerable sectors. After concluding the final field monitoring and post-field debriefing in Dipolog City on May 14, the team is now moving into the production phase of the magazine, turning raw field data into stories of resilience and regional growth.

Written by: JULNAZAR HALIL, Information Officer, BFAR-SAAD
MARIA CHRISTINA GIL, Technical Writer, BFAR-SAAD
Photo Credits: DA SAAD-NPMO, DA Region 9 RAFIS and BFAR SAAD Region 9

DA - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program
BFAR - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program
DA - SAAD Zamboanga Peninsula
BFAR Region 9
SAAD Kaagapay sa maunlad na buhay.

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐤 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

JOSEFINA, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, MAY 12-14, 2026 – The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources IX (DA-BFAR IX), through the SAAD Phase II Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) Program, conducted a Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development Cascading Activity for the Josefina Fisherfolk Association in Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur. The activity aimed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of the association members in enterprise development, market opportunities, and tilapia marketing to help improve their livelihood and income.

The activity officially started with a welcome message from Jonathan A. Conejos, OIC-Municipal Agriculturist of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Josefina Zamboanga del Sur. In his message, he highlighted the importance of conducting activities that can help fisherfolk and farmers improve their livelihood opportunities, especially in marketing their cultured tilapia products. According to Conejos, the activity serves as a new opportunity for local fisherfolk to explore possible markets and strengthen their knowledge in handling enterprise-related activities. He also emphasized that trainings and activities like this are important because farmers and fisherfolk need continuous support and guidance to improve their production and income.

During the activity, participants were introduced to topics on Market Benchmarking, Market Mapping, and organizational strengthening. Members also conducted interviews with fish vendors in potential markets in Mahayag, Molave, and Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur to identify possible market opportunities for their tilapia products.
The activity also encouraged members to share their experiences and challenges encountered in tilapia production and marketing. Discussions focused on identifying possible strategies to improve profitability following the results of the Enterprise Profitability Assessment, which showed low profit margins in the association’s aquaculture operations.

The activity reflects the continued commitment of DA-BFAR IX SAAD Phase II in supporting fisherfolk associations through capacity-building activities that promote sustainable livelihood and better economic opportunities for rural communities.

Writer: Jeric B. Cabus - Project assistant, PPMSO-ZDS
Photo credits: BFAR 9 SAAD MAED/RPMSO Personnel

DA - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program
BFAR - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program
DA - SAAD Zamboanga Peninsula
BFAR Region 9

SAAD Kaagapay sa maunlad na buhay.



Writer: Jeric B. Cabus - Project assistant, PPMSO-ZDS
Photo credits: BFAR 9 SAAD MAED/RPMSO Personnel

BFAR-SAAD conducts MAED Cascading for TFFA

TIGBAO, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR – MAY 5–7, 2026 – The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) IX, through its Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II – Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED), conducted a three-day MAED Cascading Activity for the Tigbao Freshwater Fisherfolk Association ( TFFA) . The activity aimed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of fisherfolk beneficiaries in enterprise development, market linkage, and livelihood sustainability.

The members and beneficiaries of TFFA participated in a series of discussions and field activities designed to enhance their understanding of marketing strategies and business opportunities related to tilapia production. The training served as an avenue for participants to learn practical approaches in improving their livelihood operations and expanding their market reach.
Representing the Local Government Unit of Tigbao, Mr. Cresencio C. Longaquit Jr. delivered his welcome message during the opening program. He emphasized the significance of the activity and expressed his appreciation to the BFAR-SAAD Program for continuously supporting fisherfolk associations in the municipality. He highlighted the importance of empowering local fisherfolk through capacity-building activities that can help improve their income and strengthen their role in the local economy.
Throughout the activity, participants actively engaged in various interactive sessions facilitated by the MAED personnel. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted to identify the current challenges, opportunities, and market-related concerns experienced by the fisherfolk. The discussions also encouraged participants to share their experiences and insights regarding tilapia production, marketing practices, and organizational management.

One of the major highlights of the activity was the conduct of market mapping and benchmarking activities. Participants visited several potential and existing market areas, including public markets in Pagadian City, Dumalinao, and Tigbao, as well as talipapa vendors in Barangay Nilo, Tigbao, and wet markets in Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur. During these visits, participants introduced themselves as tilapia producers and gathered valuable information from market vendors and sellers regarding product demand, pricing, consumer preferences, and possible market opportunities.

The participants also engaged in a discussion on the Enterprise Profitability Assessment analysis presented by the MAED Personnel. During the EPA analysis presentation, it was observed that the association has not yet gained profit from its tilapia production due to the many challenges they encountered over the past three years of operation, such as extreme heat, flooding, and other circumstances that resulted in low production. Despite these challenges, the association did not lose hope of earning profit in the future and expressed its commitment to becoming more profitable in its future production, and developed action plans tailored to the needs and goals of its respective association. They also shared learnings and experiences gained throughout the activity, emphasizing how the training helped them better understand the importance of proper marketing and enterprise management.

Writer: Jeric B. Cabus, Project Assistant - PPMSO-ZDS
Photo credit: BFAR 9 SAAD-MAED Personnel

DA - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program
BFAR - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program
DA - SAAD Zamboanga Peninsula
BFAR Region 9

SAAD Kaagapay sa Muanlad na Buhay.

𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥-𝗦𝗔𝗔𝗗 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗔𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗙𝗙𝗔

TIGBAO, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR – MAY 5–7, 2026 – The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) IX, through its Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II – Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED), conducted a three-day MAED Cascading Activity for the Tigbao Freshwater Fisherfolk Association ( TFFA) . The activity aimed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of fisherfolk beneficiaries in enterprise development, market linkage, and livelihood sustainability.

The members and beneficiaries of TFFA participated in a series of discussions and field activities designed to enhance their understanding of marketing strategies and business opportunities related to tilapia production. The training served as an avenue for participants to learn practical approaches in improving their livelihood operations and expanding their market reach.

Representing the Local Government Unit of Tigbao, Mr. Cresencio C. Longaquit Jr. delivered his welcome message during the opening program. He emphasized the significance of the activity and expressed his appreciation to the BFAR-SAAD Program for continuously supporting fisherfolk associations in the municipality. He highlighted the importance of empowering local fisherfolk through capacity-building activities that can help improve their income and strengthen their role in the local economy.
Throughout the activity, participants actively engaged in various interactive sessions facilitated by the MAED personnel. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted to identify the current challenges, opportunities, and market-related concerns experienced by the fisherfolk. The discussions also encouraged participants to share their experiences and insights regarding tilapia production, marketing practices, and organizational management.

One of the major highlights of the activity was the conduct of market mapping and benchmarking activities. Participants visited several potential and existing market areas, including public markets in Pagadian City, Dumalinao, and Tigbao, as well as talipapa vendors in Barangay Nilo, Tigbao, and wet markets in Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur. During these visits, participants introduced themselves as tilapia producers and gathered valuable information from market vendors and sellers regarding product demand, pricing, consumer preferences, and possible market opportunities.

The participants also engaged in a discussion on the Enterprise Profitability Assessment analysis presented by the MAED Personnel. During the EPA analysis presentation, it was observed that the association has not yet gained profit from its tilapia production due to the many challenges they encountered over the past three years of operation, such as extreme heat, flooding, and other circumstances that resulted in low production. Despite these challenges, the association did not lose hope of earning profit in the future and expressed its commitment to becoming more profitable in its future production, and developed action plans tailored to the needs and goals of its respective association. They also shared learnings and experiences gained throughout the activity, emphasizing how the training helped them better understand the importance of proper marketing and enterprise management.

Writer: Jeric B. Cabus, Project Assistant - PPMSO-ZDS
Photo credit: BFAR 9 SAAD-MAED Personnel

DA - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program
BFAR - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program
DA - SAAD Zamboanga Peninsula
BFAR Region 9

SAAD Kaagapay sa Maunlad na Buhay.

Sharing from DA - Special Area for Agricultural Development Program

Sa pagdiriwang ng 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐰 𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐰𝐚, kinikilala ng Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program ang sipag, tiyaga, at dedikasyon ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda.

Sila ang matibay na haligi ng seguridad sa pagkain at patuloy na nagpapaunlad sa ating mga pamayanang kanayunan.

Patuloy kaming kaisa ninyo sa pag-angat ng kabuhayan at paghubog ng mas matatag na kinabukasan.

Mabuhay ang manggagawang Pilipino!