DA-BFAR IX BASIL PROJECT CAPACITY-BUILDING ACTIVITY CONTINUES IN NEW OROQUIETA,

SOMINOT

On August 26, 2021, the BFAR IX-BASIL Team conducted a Capacity Building and Planning
Workshop on Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa (BASIL) Project at Barangay New Oroquieta, Sominot,
Zamboanga del Sur, led by Mr. Romeo E. De Guzman, Farm Manager of the Bagalupa Freshwater
Fish Hatchery, supported by Mr. Marlon B. Dagandan, BASIL Regional Focal Person. The activity
was organized after determining the feasible site for the BASIL Project. BFAR IX has identified the
New Oroquieta Small Water Irrigation System Association (SWIP) as one of the BASIL management
site to be restored for this year’s program.

The event was opened with a welcome statements by the New Oroquieta Barangay Captain Hon.
Daylinda Llagas, followed by the introduction of all participants rendered by Mrs. Bernadeth
Lobitañ a, Livestock Inspector. Municipal Agriculturist Mrs. Nasaria D. Gavin gave her inspirational
message to the participants followed by Sominot Municipal Mayor Hon. Johnriel D. Melo who
expressed his support to the said activity and earnestly encouraged the participants to give
progressive response on the various programs provided by the national government.

Presentation and discussion of topics followed, specifically on (1) Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa
(BASIL) Program: Towards Sustainable Fisheries Management of Philippine Lakes and Reservoirs
presented by Mr. R. E. De Guzman, Senior Aquaculturist; (2) Guidelines for the implementation of
the BASIL Program by Ms. Joyce E. Dacula, Aquatural Technologist; (3) Review on Municipal
Fisheries Law by Mr. Raffy Adeltone N. Tan, Aquaculturist II; (4) Presentation of Success Story of
Dagatan Lake by Mr. Samuel C. Amparo, Technical Aide.

Since the New Oroquieta Small Water Irrigation System Association is already organized
beforehand, BFAR IX continues to strengthen the group which is comprised of twelve (12) officers
led by their elected President Mr. Jethro Suacillo with thirty (30) active members with the piloted of
a planning workshop and symposium for the next-step activities, to wit; (1) Habitat Restoration:
Clearing of aquatic weeds, macrophytes, debris and etc. along the embankment of the SWIP and
rehabilitation of buffer zone through the conduct of tree-planting; (2) Establishment of monitoring
station; and (3) Fishery Stock Enhancement: through stocking/seeding of bigger size fingerlings
preferably indigenous species. All matters concerning BASIL activities were subjected to the review
and further recommendation of the group.