A program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) known as the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) is eyed on boosting the income of seaweed farmers in Getafe town, via bangus growing, a report said on Oct. 11, 2021.
The 32 members of the Marianasan Seaweed Growers and Fisherfolk Association (MASEGAFA) based in barangay Jandayan Sur, Getafe reportedly earned a gross income of P138,600 after the group started to engage in bangus growing, the BFAR said.
The group members, who are traditionally seaweed growers, now have another source of income apart from seaweed growing under the SAAD program.
The milkfish were cultured for months inside the floating cage, a project under the SAAD program in 2020, established off the waters of Jandayan Sur.
According to the Bohol Provincial Fishery Office (PFO), the MASEGAFA harvested recently at least 1,155 kilograms of bangus sold at P120 per kilogram, reports bared. The group has two fish cages covering an area of 98 square meters, three meters deep.
Aside from seaweed farming, the program has improved the group’s financial ability to earn, the BFAR explained.