TARLAC CITY (PIA) -- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) awarded an Aquaculture Package to Balloc Fisherfolks and Farmers Association in San Clemente, Tarlac.

Funded under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, the aquaculture package includes a tilapia production project.

BFAR Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division Chief Romina Yutuc said the town was identified as one of the SAAD Program Phase II beneficiaries in 2023.

“This initiative aims to alleviate poverty in the fifth and sixth income class municipalities in Central Luzon, and Balloc emerged as a promising area for implementation,” she shared.

The P476,687 worth aquaculture package includes irrigation water pump, nets, tilapia fingerlings, life jackets, flashlights, and aquafeeds and supplements.

Meanwhile, Mayor Elma Macadamia expressed her gratitude for the project that is bound to improve the lives of her constituents.

“We are beyond blessed to receive this assistance from BFAR and we hope that these inputs will further help the livelihood of our fisherfolks in our municipality,” she said.

SAAD Program Phase 2 provides interventions in fisheries, aquaculture, and postharvest to the poorest and remote areas of the country that have not received support from the regular programs of BFAR.

It is developmental in nature and envisions to uplift beneficiaries by providing them access to economic opportunities thus, improving their agricultural and fisheries activities and further transforming them into successful community-based enterprises. (CLJD/GLSB-PIA 3)