SILAY CITY—In the island barangay of Sibato, a transformation is taking place.
Thanks to seaweed farming, savings, and DA-BFAR support, the Sibato Islanders Fisherfolks Association (SIFA) has earned over ₱1.2 million in gross income.
In 2024, SIFA members began producing 167 bottles of seaweed pickles and 2,583 packs of seaweed chips, earning ₱42,600.
Their main harvest, 42.7 metric tons of dried seaweed, brought in nearly ₱989,000. They also caught over two tons of fish, adding ₱189,000 in earnings.
SIFA’s 44 members, supported by DA-BFAR’s SAAD Phase II Program, received farming tools and training that helped expand their aquaculture capacity and improve livelihoods.
The group also joined the FishForever Savings Club, a savings initiative by Rare Philippines.
By year-end 2024, the members had saved over ₱161,000, and one member received ₱16,468.56 during the share-out.
SIFA is now looking to expand its aquaculture operations and post-harvest processing.
Their story shows how community efforts and government support can empower fisherfolk and spark economic growth even in remote areas.
