Eastern Visayas fisherfolk associations brought pride to the region after earning national recognition during the BFAR SAAD Community-Based Enterprise (CBE) Summit 2026, held on June 17–18, 2026, carrying the theme “Para Isdasenso, Magnegosyo!” The summit gathered outstanding fisherfolk associations from across the country to celebrate innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in community-based fisheries enterprises.

A highlight of the event was the recognition of fisherfolk representatives from Eastern Visayas, whose enterprises demonstrated remarkable growth and sustainability under the BFAR SAAD Program. Their achievements underscored the region’s growing role in advancing community-led fisheries development and creating livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.

Leading the awardees was the Golden Fish Warrior Fisherfolk Association (GFWFA) of Tolosa, Leyte, which received the Grand Award for Best Community-Based Enterprise in Capture Fisheries Development for its successful Lambaklad fishing enterprise. In just two years of operation, the association harvested around 20 tons of high-value fish species, including giant trevally, generating approximately Php 4 million in gross income. The award recognized the group’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices and its significant contribution to improving the economic well-being of its members.

Also recognized during the national event was the Canlupao Fisherfolk Association (CanFA) of Tomas, Oppus, Southern Leyte, which earned the 3rd Runner-Up Award for Best Community-Based Enterprise in the Aquaculture Sub-component. Through its Milkfish in HDPE Cage Project, the association expanded its operations to five additional bamboo milkfish cages, producing 11.6 tons of milkfish and generating nearly Php 2 million in gross income.

Meanwhile, the Barangay North Fisherfolk Association (BNFA) of San Jose, Northern Samar, represented the province as one of the Top 3 Community-Based Enterprises endorsed from Eastern Visayas. A beneficiary of the Milkfish in HDPE Cage Project, the association successfully expanded its livelihood venture to two bamboo cages, producing 9.3 tons of milkfish and earning Php 1.6 million in gross income.

The participation and recognition of these fisherfolk associations highlighted the impact of community-driven enterprises in transforming livelihoods and strengthening local fisheries economies. Their stories served as inspiring examples of how fisherfolk organizations can thrive through innovation, proper resource management, and collective effort.

Beyond the awards ceremony, fisherfolk representatives engaged in a series of FishMiz Talk Sessions, which provided valuable insights on government support services, financing opportunities, and partnership-building. Representatives from various national government agencies, financial institutions, academic institutions, and development organizations shared programs and initiatives aimed at helping community enterprises grow and become more competitive.

BFAR-8 SAAD also showcased the region’s initiatives through an exhibit booth featuring information and education materials, as well as locally processed fish products from the Balud Producers and Vendors Marketing Association, including Bangus in Oil and Fried Sardines. The exhibit provided participants and visitors an opportunity to learn more about the program while supporting fisherfolk-produced products.

As the summit concluded, the achievements of Eastern Visayas fisherfolk associations stood as a testament to the success of community-based fisheries enterprises. Their recognition on the national stage reflects not only the progress of their group but also the potential of empowered fisherfolk communities to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development in the fisheries sector.

𝑺𝑨𝑨𝑫, 𝒌𝒂𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒚 𝒔𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒖𝒏𝒍𝒂𝒅 𝒏𝒂 𝒃𝒖𝒉𝒂𝒚!