BFAR-Kalinga commends growth of 2 agri-fishery orgs in Bulo, Tabuk City, says gov’t support not wasted

Tabuk City, Kalinga - Originally humble in scale, two agri-fishery organizations in Tabuk City have experienced remarkable growth in the past years through the continuous support from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Kalinga (BFAR).

BFAR-Kalinga commended the efforts and lauded the success of the two organizations, saying the support the government provided didn’t go to waste. BFAR-Kalinga added they hope other beneficiaries will follow the two organization’s good practices.

These organizations, according to Provincial Agriculturist 1 Cliford L. Fernandez, include the Challengers Agricultural Cooperative and the Rural Group for Transformation in Bulo, Tabuk City.

From small groups, said farmers’ organizations have been able to thrive over the past years, using the agency’s continued assistance to them well. BFAR particularly provided them fishery equipment/tools and fingerlings, among others.

 "Ti kasla nagrugrugyan da pay ketdi ket dagijay in-inted ti BFAR nga inputs,” the provincial agriculturist recalled during his interview with Guru Press Cordillera this Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

The growth of these organizations, according to Fernandez, shows the positive impact of BFAR’s support to farmers and fisherfolk in the province, not only in terms of livelihood but also in terms of contributing to the province’s economic development.

Apart from the said aid, the agency is helping these groups expand their market reach, exemplified by their recent participation in the Kalinga 6th Bodong Festival Agro-Fair. 

“Diay participation da idiay Agro Fair ket saan laeng nga tapno mailako dagijay existing products da, but also tapnomai-advertise da or maipromote da,” he added.  

Products displayed by the organizations at the said fair, said Fernandez, included daing or dried fish, fish shanghai, and other processed fish products.  

With their participation in such events, they are now recognized not only for their products but also for their significant contribution to the sustainable growth of the province’s aquaculture sector.  

The growth of these two organizations, through the BFAR’s continues assistance, stands as a powerful example of how government support can transform small initiatives into successful, sustainable ventures that benefit both the local community and the broader agricultural sector.