KAAGAP CLA Advances Inland Fisheries through MSUN ATBI-CARES Support

Written by Dante Quiao Suminguit

In a continued effort to empower grassroots enterprises and stimulate local economic growth in Northern Mindanao, the MSUN ATBI, in collaboration with MSUN's Center for Aquaculture Research, Enterprises and Services (CARES), conducted another round of tilapia fingerling dispersal on April 7, 2025, providing a total of 4,000 fingerlings to the KAAGAP Consumers Livelihood Association (CLA), the sole community-based organization currently enrolled in the technology business incubation program in Lugait. Of this total, 600 fingerlings were initially released to support the association’s ongoing aquaculture operations.

The fingerling distribution aims to support the association’s expanding aquaculture operations, further strengthening its diversification efforts in local agri-fisheries. The initiative is part of MSUN ATBI’s broader commitment to promoting sustainable agri-tech solutions and enterprise development.

Comprising 26 active members, KAAGAP CLA has shown significant strides in agricultural-based social enterprise. Originally focused on merchandising, the group has recently ventured into egg production and tilapia farming, thanks to multi-agency support from the Provincial Agriculture Office, the Municipal Agriculture Office of Lugait, NOMCAARRD, and MSUN.

Despite being established only in 2022, KAAGAP CLA has already made a notable impact in the community. MSUN ATBI recognizes the group’s strong organizational potential, even outperforming older cooperatives and associations in some areas.

Beyond aquaculture, the association is actively exploring further diversification. Current initiatives include coconut (copra), layer egg production, tilapia farming, and plans to tap into coconut waste by-product technologies, taking advantage of the abundance of coconut resources in the area.