The Lawaan Seaside Fisherfolks Association (LSFA) recorded a successful 2.6-ton harvest of high-value fish species from the coastal waters of Lawaan, Eastern Samar, under the government’s sustainable and community-driven fishing initiative.
The three-day fishing operation generated an estimated gross income of PHP572,000 after the fresh catch was sold at an affordable market price of PHP220 per kilogram.
The harvest, including giant trevally, not only boosted the income of local fisherfolk but also provided residents with access to fresh and reasonably priced seafood.
The Lambaklad Project, valued at PHP2.5 million, began operations in early 2025 and has since become a key livelihood source for LSFA members.
Since its implementation, the association has accumulated a total harvest of 4.3 tons of high-value marine species from the fishing grounds of Lawaan.
“The project has helped sustain the livelihoods of fisherfolk amid increasing fuel prices and rising operational costs in the fishing industry. The initiative has also strengthened community-based fisheries management and enhanced local economic activity in the municipality,” the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said in a statement Wednesday.
The Lambaklad Project is a sustainable, community-driven fishing initiative that introduces Japanese set-net technology to the country. It combines traditional methods with eco-friendly practices to increase fisherfolk income, reduce fuel costs, and ensure food security for coastal communities.
LSFA is one of 29 fisherfolk organizations in Eastern Samar receiving assistance under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program.
This year, the association is expected to receive additional project input support and market-related training to further improve operational efficiency and strengthen its marketing capabilities.
The project is under the second phase of the SAAD Program, aimed at reducing fisherfolk poverty in low-income provinces through livelihood projects, technical training, and enterprise support. (PNA)
