Farmer associations in the Municipality of Malita, Davao Occidental, celebrated a fruitful milestone with the successful harvesting of tilapia under the 2024 DOLE-funded Project LAWA at BINHI. The harvest activities were conducted on April 15, 2025, in Barangay Datu Danwata by the Datu Danwata Labin Farmers’ Association, followed by another harvest on April 25, 2025, by the Kitastas Farmers’ Association in Barangay Macol and the Tical Tribal Multipurpose Cooperative in Barangay Tical.

The activity was witnessed and supported by key partner agencies, including the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and a staff member from the Office of the Vice Governor. 

Among those who facilitated the harvest were Jo Ann Labio, Project Development Officer from DSWD XI, MSWDO staff Edgardo Rosario and Jayson Guardados, and Alexis Madel from BFAR. From the MAO, technical assistance was extended by Lysa Gatilogo, Gilbert Amarillo, Joshua Ugsang, Nelson Bais, Ruell Yuba, and Marvin Gencianeo, while MDRRMO’s Cyril Cindinato and Wendell Jay Masupat ensured safety and logistical support.

More than just a harvest, the event reflected the farmers’ resilience and commitment to sustainable livelihoods. The project has not only boosted food production but also strengthened local capacity in aquaculture as a viable source of income and nutrition for their communities.

One of the beneficiaries of Project LAWA at BINHI shared how the initiative has significantly improved their livelihood and strengthened community cooperation.

“Dako gyud among pasalamat sa Project LAWA at BINHI. Kaniadto, lisod kaayo among panginabuhi, apan karon nga naa na mi’y kaugalingong tilapia fishpond, nakatabang gyud kini sa among panginahanglan sa pagkaon ug kita. Ang among asosasyon nagtinabangay gyud sa pag-atiman sa isda ug karon, nakita namo ang bunga sa among paningkamot. Dili lang kini proyekto, kundi usa kini ka paglaom para sa among pamilya ug komunidad,” Paulino Opong from Datu Danwata LABIN Farmers Association, said.

The tilapia harvest stands as a testament to the power of community-driven development, enabled by coordinated government support. It highlights how grassroots dedication, when matched with resources and technical guidance, can lead to long-term gains for rural communities.