Concepcion, Iloilo – The Barangay Igbon Kasagan Association (BIGKAS), a partner-beneficiary of BFAR’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase 2 Program, welcomed representatives from various national government agencies (NGAs) on April 8, 2025, for a site visit and assessment of the Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) Model Village. The visit aimed to explore potential partnerships that would strengthen the BSC industry and enhance the livelihood of the coastal community. Located in the northeastern part of Panay Island, BIGKAS is a fishing community that primarily depends on crab fishing. Through its collaboration with BFAR SAAD Western Visayas, the group was chosen as the pilot site of the BSC Adopt-a-Village Project. This convergence effort was spearheaded by the Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) in Iloilo and BFAR’s BSC Technical Working Group to promote holistic and inclusive development in the area. During the activity, NGAs introduced programs and services tailored to the community’s needs. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 6 offered support through equipment provision, training programs, consultancy services, and scholarships. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6 presented youth employment programs, assistance for fresh graduates, and livelihood grants for individuals and community groups. Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region 6 highlighted vocational training opportunities such as tailoring, dressmaking, and food processing, which are available at TESDA-accredited centers in Balasan, Iloilo. Maria Aimee Sobrevega, Officer-in-Charge of the Iloilo Provincial Fisheries Office, provided an overview of BSC fisheries in the Philippines. She also discussed the U.S. Seafood Watch sustainability rating, which plays a key role in promoting responsible fishing practices. This was followed by a presentation from Ms. Maria Lea Mandalejo, Training Specialist I, who shared findings from the Socio-Economic Baseline Survey conducted in Barangay Igbon. The survey, carried out by the University of the Philippines Visayas in partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and BFAR, outlined household income levels, livelihood challenges, and the aspirations of the community. BIGKAS Project Manager Mr. Franchalie Laurio expressed his gratitude, stating, “Dako gid ang amon pagpasalamat sa taga-BFAR nga amo gid ang nagabulig sa amon para makakuha pa sang mga additional nga project paagi sa iban nga NGA’s. Ini nga mga diskusyon kaupod ang iban nga ahensya sang gobyerno napalabot man naton ang aton mga kinahanglanon diri sa komunidad. Kabay pa mangin successful ini kag bululigan gid namon para sa bwas damlag man sang grupo kag barangay.” (We are very thankful to BFAR for helping us secure additional support through other NGAs. These discussions with government agencies have allowed us to raise the community’s concerns. We hope this initiative succeeds and that we can all work together for the future of our group and barangay.) To cap off the activity, participants from BFAR Region 6, partner agencies, and the local government unit conducted a visit to Sitio Punta-ayan, where they observed BSC landings and ongoing community projects. The day concluded with a meeting alongside municipal department heads to formalize the NGAs’ commitments. ### KFLobredo, AMCabangal About DA-BFAR SAAD Phase 2: The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-BFAR SAAD) Program Phase 2 aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and support for poor fishing sectors. These interventions intend to complement the DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. The BFAR-SAAD strives to enhance food security and promote economic growth in targeted areas across the Philippines. #SaSAADKaya! #BFAR6 #SAADPhase2 #Conception #WesternVisayas