PAKIL, LAGUNA
Writer: Lhara Jane S. Endozo
Photo Credit: BFAR 4A SAAD RPMSO
To execute one of the most crucial parts of the Social Preparation component under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 4A – SAAD team conducted the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) in Barangay Banilan, Pakil, Laguna on March 5-6, 2024.
A total of 30 fisherfolks who will serve as key informants in the PRA activity were invited to participate. Numerous tools were employed including seasonal calendar, community mapping, institutional flow diagram, historical timeline, fish catch trend and problem tree analysis. The gathered primary information will be evaluated and triangulated using the secondary data from the LGU reports and Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of the municipality.
Through the support and assistance of the Municipal Agriculture Office of Pakil, Laguna and the Barangay Local Government Unit, the activities were conducted successfully.
Prior to the conduct of PRA, the SAAD team performed a courtesy call to Barangay Captain Frank De Mesa, which served as a formal introduction of the program to the Barangay. Subsequently, project orientation followed last March 1, 2024 and this was participated by residents of the barangay who are involved in capture fisheries, post-harvest and aquaculture field.
Participatory Rural Appraisal is an approach used in assessing and analyzing the available resources in the community, identifying the problems encountered by fisherfolks which is essential for the development of plans and execution of identified livelihood programs. This activity consists of different tools and methods being adopted in the field of fisheries. Cooperation and participation of the fisherfolks are crucial in the activity to capture the necessary information for crafting the suitable project for the association.
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.