In a significant move to boost local livelihoods and promote sustainable aquaculture, BFAR Region 5 awarded 3.55 tons of seaweed seedlings to the Samahan ng Maggugulaman ng Banocboc (SAMAGUBA) on April 22, 2025, in Brgy. Banocboc, Calaguas Island, Vinzons, Camarines Norte.
BFAR Bicol Regional Director Ariel U. Pioquinto led the awarding, together with Atty. Nilo B. Consuelo, Chief of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division (FPSSD). Also present were representatives from Camarines Norte Provincial Fisheries Office (CNPFO), Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Vinzons, and local government officials.
In his message, RD Pioquinto emphasized the agency’s commitment to empowering coastal communities and promoting economic development through sustainable aquaculture practices. He also highlighted the potential of seaweed farming as a viable livelihood that contributes to the local economy while ensuring environmental sustainability.
This initiative aims to uplift the lives of seaweed farmers in the area by enhancing their production capacity, increasing their income, and encouraging long-term community growth. The seaweed seedlings provided will help the SAMAGUBA members further develop their farming efforts, in line with the province’s broader goals for sustainable development.
In response, SAMAGUBA expressed deep appreciation for the support extended by BFAR 5.
Source: BFAR Bicol