by Villaflora M. Rosos

ALUBIJID, Misamis Oriental (Jan. 15, 2025) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) through its Provincial Fisheries Office of Misamis Oriental (PFO-MisOr), in coordination with the Office of Agricultural Services, conducted the Harvest Field Day of the Tilapia Culture in Pond Technology Demonstration Project last Wednesday, January 15. 

The project aims to provide sustainable income opportunities for the Tula Farmers Association (TFA), enhance aquaculture practices, and promote food security through improved tilapia production technologies.

With BFAR-10’s support, the initiative included 1,500 pcs. of tilapia fingerlings, a feed supply good for one cropping period, and hands-on training on constructing, operating, and maintaining the 500-square-meter fishpond.

As a result of its 125-day culture period, the harvest yielded a total of 188 kilograms of high-quality tilapia, about five pieces a kilo, and with an estimated gross income of Php 28,200, the group plans to reinvest in the said technology and expand its pond.

“Daku among pasalamat sa project sa BFAR 10 nga gihatag sa amoang grupo, dako kini ug katabang sa amoang pagpadayun ug paglambo ug nakadugang kini kahibalu sa among pagdumala sa fishpond. Plano namu na ipadayun kini nga programa gamit ang amohang halin gikan sa project,” TFA President Malou Akut expressed.

(We are very grateful for the project from BFAR 10 that was given to our group, it greatly helps us in our continuation and growth and has added knowledge to our management of the fishpond. We plan to continue this program using the profits from the project.)

Further, Eliza T Mataquel, District Fishery Technician of PFO-MisOr, conducted a value-adding demonstration on making “tilanggit”, a dried and salted tilapia, and “lamayo”, a marinated tilapia. The post-harvest activity highlighted ways to extend the shelf-life of tilapia, diversify products, and create additional income opportunities for the association.

The event showcased the successful collaboration between government agencies, local stakeholders, and fisherfolk, emphasizing innovative aquaculture practices toward economic development and food security. (VMRosos//PFOMisOr)