The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office IX conducted the CY2023 Target Setting of Plans, Programs, and Activities Based on the Approved GAA FY2023 back-to-back with the conduct of Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Framework Planning Preparation Workshop headed by the newly appointed and full-fledged BFAR IX Regional Director, Al-zath K Kunting, RFP. The said activity was attended by all division chiefs, section chiefs, city/provincial fishery officers, station managers, project leaders, and staff on January 17-20, 2023, at Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City.
As the CY2023 begins, a thorough evaluation of targets of the different programs, projects, and activities by province and municipalities, with corresponding management solutions or recommendations to the challenges that may occur during their implementation. The activity highlights discussions not only on agency management, budgeting, and financial performance topics, but also on projects such as seaweed and salt.
A Special Area for Agriculture Development (SAAD) program is one of the most effective programs implemented by the Department of Agriculture where its purpose is poverty alleviation among the marginalized sectors of agriculture and fishery of the Philippines. Its primary strategy focuses on the increase of food production and the establishment of community enterprises through the provision of significant technology, financial assistance, marketing, and other support services to the farmers and fisherfolk.
On this target-setting activity, the SAAD Regional Framework Planning Workshop was simultaneously conducted, enjoining the BFAR-9 SAAD Technical Working Group (TWG) and preparing the comprehensive framework plan for the program’s projects and activities. The SAAD TWG was able to finalize the SAAD Program action plans for the calendar year 2023 for this year’s implementation.
In closing, BFAR 9 Regional Director Al-zath K Kunting emphasized that by being effective and efficient, one must commit to serving the Filipino fishers with due diligence in delivering honest and steadfast services championing the fisherfolk for the sustainability of the fisheries sector.