For fishing families whose incomes depend on weather, daily catch, operating expenses, and household needs, having savings can provide a measure of security when earnings become uncertain.
In Barangay Arellano, Libjo, in the Province of Dinagat Islands, a simple habit is helping local fisherfolk build something bigger than a savings fund. By setting aside small amounts of money each week, members of the Arellano Fisherfolk Association (ARFA) are creating a financial cushion, strengthening their organization, and opening doors to new livelihood opportunities.
Their story began with contributions of just ₱20 to ₱100 a week. But through discipline, cooperation, and a shared commitment to their future, those modest amounts grew into a collective resource worth more than ₱500,000 by September 2026.
The initiative, called the Barangay Savings Club, was introduced by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under its Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II. It encourages members to save regularly, manage their resources responsibly, and establish a community emergency fund.
ARFA's first savings cycle, which ran from August to December 2024, accumulated ₱68,000. Members pooled their contributions and managed the fund collectively, laying the groundwork for a stronger association.
Small savings, growing confidence
By 2025, the members had expanded their savings efforts. According to the Dinagat Islands Provincial Fisheries Office, weekly contributions increased from ₱50 to ₱250 per share. The association's collective savings reached ₱160,000 by June and ₱340,000 by December, with 53 active members participating.
The growing fund reflected more than financial progress. It showed how regular contributions and shared responsibility could help build confidence in managing resources for the benefit of the group.
Government livelihood assistance also helped strengthen the members' fishing activities. On June 4, 2025, BFAR SAAD Phase II provided 25 additional marine engines and complete fishing gear. Eventually, marine engine assistance was extended to all 52 of ARFA's original members.
As more fisherfolk recognized the value of joining an organized association, membership increased from 52 to 67.
The combination of livelihood support and collective savings helped reinforce the association's growth. Members were not only improving their individual fishing operations but also contributing to resources they could build and manage together.
Looking beyond the daily catch
Fishing has long provided food and income for families in Barangay Arellano. Yet changing fishing conditions and growing household needs have encouraged ARFA to explore other ways to strengthen its livelihood.
In January 2026, the association began another savings cycle. By September, its accumulated savings had exceeded ₱500,000.
Additional government assistance in June 2026 brought 15 more marine engines and complete fishing gear. Through a separate regular BFAR project, the association also received a high-density polyethylene fish cage, giving members an opportunity to venture into aquaculture.
On August 14, ARFA stocked the fish cage with 6,000 bangus fingerlings.
The initiative marked an important step toward diversifying the association's livelihood activities. Beyond catching fish, members would now have to coordinate production and share responsibility for managing their fish-cage operation.
Aquaculture offers another avenue for livelihood development, although its long-term benefits will depend on effective management, production results, and the ability to sustain the operation.
Together, the savings initiative, fishing equipment assistance, and fish-cage project have helped ARFA build on its existing livelihood activities while exploring additional opportunities.
Recognition for a community effort
ARFA's continuing efforts earned the association a Gawad Pasasalamat Award during the closing ceremony of the 63rd Fish Conservation Week celebration in Butuan City on September 17, 2026.
Association chairperson Jonathan Ecleo represented the group and received the award on behalf of its members.
Ecleo expressed his gratitude to BFAR SAAD Caraga and everyone who had helped the association.
“Thank you BFAR SAAD Caraga for the recognition, og sa tanan tumatabang sa grupo,” he said, thanking the program and all those who supported the group.
He attributed a significant part of ARFA's progress to its partnership with BFAR under SAAD Phase II, which provided livelihood assistance while helping the association strengthen cooperation and financial management.
For the association, the recognition represented the combined efforts of members who continued saving, leaders who guided the organization, and families who participated in activities intended to improve their livelihoods.
More than an award
ARFA's journey tells a story of gradual but meaningful progress: from weekly savings as small as ₱20 to a fund exceeding ₱500,000; from 52 founding members to 67 members; and from assistance for fishing activities to a fish-cage venture stocked with 6,000 bangus fingerlings.
These milestones do not remove the uncertainties that come with fishing or guarantee that every new enterprise will succeed. But they demonstrate how collective action can help a community build resources, strengthen its organization, and explore new sources of income.
For BFAR SAAD Caraga, the association's achievement reflects not only the assistance it received but also how members made use of those opportunities through regular savings, livelihood management, membership growth, and the exploration of aquaculture.
In Barangay Arellano, the lesson is straightforward: progress does not always begin with a large investment. Sometimes, it starts with a small contribution, repeated week after week, and a group of people determined to build a better future together.
For ARFA's members, the growing savings fund is more than a measure of money accumulated. It represents a shared commitment to prepare for uncertainty, strengthen their livelihoods, and create opportunities that can benefit the wider community. (Story source and photo credit: PIA)
(RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands, with a report from BFAR SAAD Caraga)
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