BFAR-ARMM
HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENT
CY 2011
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since its existence, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has
continuously proven its worth in delivering services to the people. One of the implementing
agencies in ARMM is the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, an agency mandated to
improve the lives of the fisherfolk and a management practice for resource sustainability.
For the year 2011, the region stood still as number 1 in the fisheries production which
has a growth rate of 17% (710,088 MT), followed by Region IV-B and Region 9, respectively. The
aquaculture sector has the highest percentage growth of 120% (537,130 MT), followed by
municipal of 240% (88,745 MT) and commercial fisheries of 260% (84,175 MT). The low
percentage achieved in the fisheries production for the period was attributed by the man-made
calamities experienced in the region.
ARMM Fisheries Production by Sector
84,175
88,745
Commercial
Municipal
Aquaculture
537,130
The graph below will show the comparison of volume of fisheries production for CY 2010 and
CY 2011.
Volume of Fisheries Production by Sector
2010
2011
695,717.06
97,082.78
537,130.00
111,471.0388,745.00
84,175.00
Commerical
Municipal
Aquaculture
In spite of those hindrances, BFAR had managed to surpass its target for CY 2011. The
subsequent report will show the highlights of accomplishment in the different components or
Major Final Outputs of the agency.
A. REGULAR PROGRAM
One of the frontline services of the bureau is the advisory and technical services on
aquaculture, fishing technology, regulatory, post-harvest, and fisheries resource studies and
management in support to operations. For CY 2011, there are 290 advisory and technical
services rendered to walk-in clients in the regional and provincial offices.
Under MFO1, the office conducted one (1) performance review and participated to one
hundred nine (115) different meetings, workshops, trainings and consultations for staff
development and networking. Reading materials distributed were 602 various leaflets and
brochures on fisheries technology and other related articles.
Credit facilitation and regulatory services are under MFO2. There are 95
individuals/groups facilitated to access in the financing program. A memorandum of agreement
between and among LGU of Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi, Seaweeds Federation, Zamboanga
Carrageenan Corporation and the Land Bank of the Philippines has been signed for the
development of seaweeds industry in the said municipality. There were fifty-three (56) LGUs
assisted in CRM planning and three (3) bantay-dagat trainings conducted. About 457
inspections on fishery products for outgoing aircraft and 3,103 boarding’s in sea craft has been
conducted. An inventory of Fishpond Lease Agreement (FLA) has been done also to 128
hectares of FLA in the region. Seven (8) FLA holders were recommended for renewal.
On MFO3, the activities are the provision of trainings, technical assistance and
production support to fisherfolk and other stakeholders in the fisheries sector. With the
minimal support under the regular program, the bureau provided 993 units of various fishing
gears/paraphernalia and 11,133 kgs of seaweeds seedlings to 518 fisherfolk beneficiaries. There
were 81 in-formal trainings and field coaching conducted to 751 fisherfolk. The technical
assistance rendered were 3,340 which serves 9,211 beneficiaries.
NATIONAL FISHERIES PROGRAM (NFP)
A. Production and Support Services
The two (2) fish farms, the DOS and Marantao Freshwater Fish Farm and Hatchery,
produced 6.624M pieces of Tilapia fingerlings and 1.048M pieces of Carp fingerlings. Of the
total produced fingerlings 32 LGUs/Groups and 976 fish farmers were served in the fingerlings
dispersal in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. Distributed 74,000 kgs of seaweed seedlings and
704 sets of seaweeds farm materials to seaweeds farmers The beneficiaries were assisted in
planting and farm management technique. In the distribution of 5,229 units of various fishing
gears/paraphernalia, there were 5,161 fishers benefitted the project. The office still maintains
the operation of the Mariculture Park in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi. While the study on Ulang
Culture in Cage at Bitu, DOS, Maguindanao and Rapid Assessment of Mameng (Napoleon
Wrasse) in Tawi-Tawi are on-going.
.
Distribution of Seaweeds farm inputs and seedlings
The V-Mayor of SKP during
Launching of fish cage
Harvest o
Fish corrals in Datu Salibo
B. Market Development Services
To strengthen the market linkage and promotion of producers of fishery products, the
bureau sent one (1) representative in the BIMP-EAGA Expo 2011 at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah,
Malaysia, to promote our very own dried boneless tilapia and seaweed chips produced in
Parang Seaweeds Processing Plant. The office also participated in the IFEX Expo and Trade
exhibit in Manila. There were five (54) price monitoring and reports generated under the
marketing assistance. Six (6) business meetings/consultations were participated to BIMP-EAGA
and to other partner institutions.
C. Other Infra and Post-Harvest Development Services
On the Infrastructure and Post-Harvest Support Services, the bureau facilitated the visit
of Secretary Alcala (DA-C.O, Dir. Sarmiento (BFAR-C.O) and Atty. Paz (PFDA) on the ground
breaking ceremony of the Fish Port in Maimbung, Sulu and visited/inspected the newly
renovated 10 Toner Ice Plant in Jolo Sulu. Only one (1) smokehouse has been provided under
this program benefitting one (1) association in the province of Lanao del Sur.
(In the photo, lower left) ARMM Deputy Executive Secretary Abdullah M. Cusain
and DAF-ARMM Secretary Lomala Balindong with BFAR Director Keise Usman,
BFAR Assistant Director Janice Desamito-Musali and Director for Field Operations
Dr. Salik Panalunsong
In support to the development of the seaweeds industry in the region, BFAR Central
Office provided funds for the establishment of Seaweeds Tissue Culture Laboratory. The
Laboratory was inaugurated last April 25, 2011 in DAF-ARMM Compound, Cotabato City. The
tissue culture laboratory was put up to develop a new strain and upgrade the quality of
seaweeds seed stocks. This will help increase the productivity of the seaweeds growers.
D. Extension Support, Education and Training Services
The agency assisted the fisherfolk in developing their technical capability. There are 6
trainings conducted in Aquaculture, Post Harvest and Municipal Fisheries with 228 participants
trained. Establishment of four (4) units marine cage are on-going in Parang, Maguindanao.
Training on Fish seaweed Utilization into Value-Added Products
Thru HACCP Approach
E. Regulatory Services
A meeting was conducted to the FLA holders on the status of FLA rentals at Basilan
Provincial Fishery Office, Lamitan, Basilan. The registration and distribution of fiherfolk IDs and
consultative meeting with clienteles were facilitated. Regular aquaculture farm monitoring,
inspection and monthly water sampling had been conducted throughout the region. BFARTawi-Tawi facilitated the conduct of IEC activities on the Proper Waste Management and
Importance of the Marine Environment to the constituents of Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi. They
also participated in the advocacy of saving the coral reef ecosystem of Mussah Reef SangaSanga, Bongao, by taking part in the removal of the destructive Acanthaster Plancii or
commonly known as Crown-of-Thorns. BFAR-Basilan intercepted a giant clam (CITES) during
their on-board inspection at Lamitan City Sea Port while a giant turtles were found in Datu Odin
Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
Fisherfolk Registration
BFAR-ARMM successfully celebrated the Fisherfolk Month with the theme
“Mangingisdang Direktor Para Sa Mas Matatag na Balikatan” last May 2011. The said activity
was in line with the DA Special Order No. 88 series of 2005 and Fisheries Office Order No. 080
series of 2005 declaring the month of May of each year as Fisherfolk month. Mr. Taib G. Undog
was appointed as Fisherfolk Director for this year’s celebration. Several activities were
conducted such as the following:
 Installation of Fisherfolk Director Mr. Taib G. Undog at BFAR conference room,
Cotabato City.
 Conducted Coastal Clean-Up Drive in Polloc, Parang, Maguindanao.
 Conducted Coastal Clean-Up activity in the coastal areas of Taganak, Turtle
Island, Tawi-Tawi in coordination with WWF, LGUs, Youths, Mothers, fisherfolks
and other stakeholders.
 Conducted One (1) – Day mangrove planting region wide with the support of
Local Government Units and other line agencies like the 32nd IB, PNP,
Coastguard, DEP-ED, Brgy. Officials , volunteer porters and DENR.
 BFAR-ARMM joins the nation in celebrating the month of May as “The Philippine
Month of the Ocean” with the theme “Manage our Ocean for Mankind’s Survival”.
 Facilitated the Signing of Memorandum of Agreement of the Mariculture Project in
Brgy. Landasan, Parang, Maguindanao with Andrestio C. Borres, President, Barrio
Sarmiento Fisherfolk Association, Hon. Ibrahim P. Ibay, Mayor of Parang,
Maguindanao and Regional Director Keise T. Usman, BFAR-ARMM.
 Turn-Over Ceremony of Two (2) Units Surveillance Boats with 13 HP Vanguard
Machine to the LGU of Parang, Maguindanao.
Other accomplishments are:
 Attended the maiden session with the theme: “Looking forward with the trend the
future is now” at Datu Dizal Cultural Center, Lamitan, Basilan.
 Monitored Pangasius species with fish cage area of 7mx8m with approximately 7-8
inches at 8 pieces/kilo stocked at Tuca, Marawi City.
 Conducted dialogue with 16 LGUs surrounding Liguasan Marsh re: Area assessment for
the Liguasan Marsh Development Project.
 Attended the DOST Rain Gauge Station Turn-Over Ceremony at DAF-ARMM Sta. Clara,
Lamitan, Basilan.
 Attended the One-day Halal Orientation and Consultation at Peek-A-Byte, Lamitan,
Basilan.
 Successfully conducted the advocacy on Environmental Management and Protection in
(3) Barangays in Languyan, Tawi-TAwi.
 Participated in the Women’s Month 2011 Celebration with the theme; “Magna Carta of
Women, the Philippine CEDAW: In support of the Millenium Develoment Goals”
 Attended Global Environment Facility (GEF) Natural Resources Management (NRM)
Project Launching (MRDP).
 Attended the 2nd Work of JICA LIP-ARMM at Estosan Hotel, Cotabato City.
 Conducted Work and Financial Plan CY 2011 Workshop at BFAR-ARMM conference
Room, ORG Compound, Cotabato City.
 Attended the Provincial Consultation on Peace and Development in Zamboanga City.
 Provided 20,150 pieces of tilapia and carp fingerlings to fisherfolk in Butig and Molundo,
Maguindanao.
 Attended the Launching of ARMM GAD CODE MMA ACT No. 280) “ An Act Providing for
the Gender and Development Code of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and
for Other Purposes” at Estosan Garden Hotel, Cotabato City.
 Attended the 1st Provincial Fishery officer (PFO) Seminar re: OPES-PMS at Bohol,
Tagbilaran City.
 Attended series of meetings, consultations and workshops within and outside the
region.
 Conducted the 1st ARMM SEAWEEDS CONGRESS held at the Grand Astoria Hotel,
Zamboanga City in collaboration with the Office of the Regional Governor and the
different line agencies in ARMM.
 Attended the National Write-Shop on the Development of Checklist for Fisheries for
Inclusion in the Harmonized GAD Guidelines held in Tagaytay City.
 Attended the National Workshop on Developing Gender-Responsive Programs and
Projects with the BFAR GAD Checklist which was held in Antipolo City.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao successfully conducted its 48th Fish Conservation Week Celebration with the theme
“Karagatan pagyamanin, isda paramihin, buong mundo pasiglahin” last October 16-21, 2011.
Several activities have been conducted through collaborative efforts of the regional office and
the Local Government Unit of Parang, Maguindanao such as:
 Conducted coastal clean-up along Poblacion I of Parang, Maguindanao. A joint activity of
BFAR-ARMM, LGU of Parang and League of Lawyers-Cotabato City Chapter.
 Mangrove planting was simultaneously done in the provinces of Maguindanao and
Basilan.
 Conducted livelihood and technology demonstration training in Matanog, Maguindanao;
Balindong, Lanao del Sur; Marawi City; and Basilan.
 Conducted poster making contest participated by 15 high school students of Sarilikha
Village National High School.
 Distributed seaweeds farm materials to 10 seaweed grower associations in Parang,
Maguindanao.
 Assisted in the distribution of seaweeds farm materials, 24 units of Payao and 48 units of
motorized banca to District I of Sulu under the project of Cong. Loong funded by BFAR-Central
Office.
 Dispersed 31,000 pieces of tilapia and carp fingerlings in Bacolod Calawi, Lanao del Sur and
Marawi City.
 Conducted technical assistance in aquaculture such as pond diversion of canal during flash flood,
stocking, fish pot preparations, regulatory policies and post harvest.
Liguasan Marsh is a vast area for fisheries development. The Bureau had distributed
fishing gears paraphernalia such as gill nets (500), fish pots (600) and (4) units of motor engine
(13 HP) at the municipalities of Pagalungan and Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindanao.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao has launched its fisheries development project in the Ligawasan Marsh on November
10, 2011 held at the municipal gym of Paglat, Maguindanao.
BFAR-ARMM Assistant Regional Director Janice Desamito-Musali said the Ligawasan
Marsh Fisheries Development Project aims to provide livelihood assistance to the fishing
communities within the marsh while maintaining its ecological balance. The project is initially
implemented in the five (5) towns in the province of Maguindanao which comprised the
Southern Ligawasan Alliance of Municipalities (SLAM) namely; Datu Paglas, Paglat, Gen. SK
Pendatun, Sultan sa Barongis and Pagalungan.
Atty. Asis Perez, BFAR National Director, who graced the occasion said Ligawasan Marsh
has always been a priority destination to me. Sapagkat ang Ligawasan Marsh kung hindi po
ninyo alam ay popular hindi lang po sa Maguindanao, hindi lang po sa Mindanao at hindi lang
po sa Pilipinas kundi sa buong mundo. Ang Ligawasan Marsh mahalagang biodiversity area. I
thank ARD Musali for inviting me to come here and made my dream came true, he added.
“Umpisa pa lamang ang pagpunta ko dito sa Ligawasan at iyang mga livelihood projects
na inyong nakikita (fishing paraphernalia) ay patikim pa lamang. Nariyan parin sa Ligawasan ang
mga isda tulad ng hito, dalag, carpa, pupuyo (climbing perch), gurami at iba pa na wala na po sa
ibang lugar. Tulungan nating marami ang isda sa Ligawasan at maging imbakan ito sa
pamamagitan ng paglalagay ng hatchery project,” Perez said.
Director Perez together with ARD Desamito-Musali and Engr. Abdulwahab Tunga, who
represented Governor Datu Esmael Mangudadatu formally turned-over various fishing
paraphernalia to Mayors Datu Mohammad Paglas (Datu Paglas), Abdulkarim Langkuno (Paglat)
Bonie Kali (Gen SKPendatun), Datu Allandatu Angas (SSB) and Vice Mayor Mamasabulod of
Pagalungan.
The distributed paraphernalia include the following items: 250 units of gill nets at 50
units each municipality, 600 units of fish pots at 120 each, 50 units of head torch with spear
and 50 units of non motorized banca at 10 each municipality. Perez also led the stocking and
distribution of about 1 million GET excel tilapia finglerlings.
Meanwhile, prior to the said activity, Director Perez visited BFAR’S facility and projects
in the province such as the Freshwater Fish Farm in DOS, the Mangrove Aquasilviculture Project
and Seaweeds processing Plant both located in Parang.