Pilar, Sorsogon – The Samahang Mandaragat ng Barangay Inapugan (SMBI) members carried out their third Milkfish harvest on their Microenterprise subproject despite the chilly and rainy weather.

The Milkfish Culture Microenterprise subproject was financed by the Philippine Rural Development Project-Global and Environment Facility (PRDP-GEF) to give members of the proponent group (PG) extra means of support while preserving their marine sanctuary.

SMBI harvested 850 kilograms  of milkfish during their third milkfish cropping, weighing between 300 and 350 grams each, earning a total income of PhP109,000. The association members said that they will use their proceeds to buy milkfish fingerlings and feeds, as well as replace the damaged portions of their fish pens and nets.

The SMBI members expressed their sincere gratitude to PRDP-GEF for choosing them as project recipients. As part of their Milkfish Culture and Marketing Microenterprise, they received series of training for their milkfish culture as well as production materials for their fish pen.

SMBI promised that they will continue to raise milkfish from the income they earn from the harvest of their microenterprise project under the PRDP-GEF. In addition, they will still perform their duties and responsibilities as Deputized Fish Warden to rehabilitate and restore the marine habitat in their Marine Reserve and Fish Sanctuary.

“Expect that we won’t stop working on the PRDP-GEF project that was given to us; rather, we will continue doing so even after the project ends. We will support one another so that we may grow and further strengthen our microenterprise,” Jaquilmo added.

Jaquilmo further said that the PRDP-GEF served as an inspiration to the community, who are currently experimenting with fish cage culture rather than fishing in the marine protected area.

PRDP-GEF intends to boost the fish stocks and biomass of the GEF-covered MPAs and protect the numerous trigger species present in the specified locations. Interventions related to the GEF include (a) giving marginalized fishers additional or alternative sources of income, (b) enhancing target groups’ skills and abilities, (c) fostering collaboration with important stakeholders, and (d) updating Integrated Coastal and Fishery Resource Management Plans (ICFRMP) that link sustainable aquaculture farming systems to improved productivity and business operations. (Michelle Angela G. Alfigura, DA-PRDP RPCO V InfoACE Unit)

The SMBI harvested a total of 850 kg of milkfish during their third milkfish cropping, weighing between 300 and 350 grams each, they earned a total income of PhP109,000. (Photo by: Michelle Angela G. Alfigura, DA-PRDP RPCO V InfoACE Unit)

Members of the Samahang Mandaragat ng Barangay Inapugan (SMBI) helped to unload the tub full of their milkfish harvest to the buyer’s boat. (Photo by: Ramon C. Adversario, Jr., RAFIS 5)

Members of the SMBI and the LGU-Pilar expressed their gratefulness to the PRDP-GEF for their successful third milkfish harvest. (Drone Photo by: Eduardo D. Collantes, Jr., RAFIS 5)