by Christine Lyn Viajante

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (Nov. 15) —  To level off and harmonize understanding of respective roles and responsibilities, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) held a successful two-day, face-to-face public consultation last November 12-13, 2024, focusing on the draft Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Multi-species Marine Legislated Hatchery in Sultan Naga Dimaporo and the Multi-species Freshwater Legislated Hatchery in Balo-i town.

Through this process, BFAR-10 collected crucial feedback to ensure that the hatchery projects are effectively tailored to meet the unique needs of Sultan Naga Dimaporo and Balo-i’s communities.

On the first day, representatives from the provincial and local government units (LGUs), fishery stakeholders, and sector clientele gathered at the Kalimudan Hall in the Provincial Capitol to discuss the draft IRR for the Multi-Species Marine Legislated Hatchery in Barangay Koreo, Sultan Naga Dimaporo.

Legislated Hatchery (LH) focal, Lea Myr Cadapan, facilitated the discussions, ensuring attendees were well-informed about the technical and operational aspects of the hatchery projects as stipulated in the said draft IRR.

The hatchery project, authorized by the 16th Congress under Republic Act (RA) 10860, aims to address the growing need for marine resources such as milkfish and pompano along with reviving the culture of tiger prawns and mud crabs to fortify aquaculture in the region.

Based on the feasibility studies made upon the construction of the LH, this marine hatchery is projected to produce around 23 million fry a year.

BFAR-10 Director Edward B Yasay elaborated and contributed to the said IRR with an affirming response from Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Reinario B Bihag, the province’s chairperson of the committee on agriculture and cooperatives.

“Ang atung provincial government, ubos sa pagdumala ni Governor Imelda Dimaporo, adunay ginatawag nato nga ‘Vision 2040’ kung asa gihatagan kita ug prayoridad sa probinsya  sa Lanao del Norte nga mahimo kitang usa ka-sustainably developed agri-fishery and eco-cultural-sports tourism destination,” PB Bihag imparted.

[Our provincial government, under the leadership of Governor Imelda Dimaporo, perceives a goal dubbed ‘Vision 2024’ where our province prioritizes initiatives towards becoming a sustainably developed agri-fishery and eco-cultural-sports tourism destination.]

Together with the Provincial Agriculture Office in Lanao del Norte, Bihag revealed that they have already lobbied the budget proposal to support the continuous operation of the legislated hatcheries mentioned.

Meanwhile, another consultation took place in Barangay Nangka, municipality of Balo-i focusing on the draft IRR for the Multi-Species Freshwater Legislated Hatchery and Research Center.

This project, under RA 11401 as approved by the 17th Congress, aims to boost freshwater fish production such as tilapia, common carp, African catfish, and freshwater shrimp to offer new livelihood opportunities for the land-locked fisherfolk, including the neighboring province of Lanao del Sur and the city of Iligan.

Further, the freshwater hatchery is projected to produce approximately seven million fry annually considering the proximity of the hatchery to Lanao lakes offered to be grown out at any fresh/brackish water ponds, pens, or cages.

Stakeholders shared their insights and raised questions regarding the hatchery’s operations and role in increasing fish stock, providing employment opportunities, and creating community involvement in sustainable marine and freshwater resource management.

Balo-i Municipal Mayor Hanifa Ali expressed gratitude to the BFAR-10 for its proactive role in materializing the hatchery that was once just ‘a dream’ according to the honorable.

“On behalf of the good people of Balo-i, allow me to extend our thanks and gratitude to the BFAR for this project, especially to the director who has been, one way or another, responsible for the project being completed and possible,” Mayor Ali shared.

Moreover, the provincial government of Lanao del Norte, with the LGUs of Sultan Naga Dimaporo and Balo-i towns, is preparing for the incoming legislated hatchery project turnover in early 2025. (CLViajante//BFAR-10)