By Amor Ledon Bajarla

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (April 04, 2025) – The much-anticipated Tilapia Festival, a first of its kind in Bukidnon, was launched by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-10 (BFAR-10), though its Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) in Bukidnon, at the Capitol Grounds of Malaybalay City earlier this morning, bringing together aquafarmers and fisherfolk, aquaculture experts, concerned government agencies, and other stakeholders to celebrate the significance of tilapia farming in the province.

Leading the opening ceremony were BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig, BFAR-10 Director Edward Yasay, PFO Gekie Sy, and Governor Rogelio Neil Roque, all of whom, in their messages, emphasized the importance of sustainable aquaculture in boosting food security and local livelihoods.

In his speech Director Salilig who hails from Cabanglasan, Bukidnon underscored tilapia as a valuable commodity because it can thrive in various water conditions and is resistant to diseases, making it cost-effective for fish farmers. 

During his interaction with the fisherfolk participants, he emphasized the five essential requirements for successful tilapia farming: a reliable water source, road access, market availability, peace and order, and profitability.

He also detailed its viability and economic potential through a video presentation of one of the technology outreach stations in Oriental Mindoro, wherein the facility started from a modest production of 3.8M pieces of tilapia fingerlings in 2017 and eventually increased into 22M by 2020, a notable improvement brought about by innovations like  intensive tilapia farming using artificial incubation technology.

Showcasing of Tilapia Technology and Activities 

The BFAR-10 in collaboration with the Local Government Units (LGUs), organized the festival and featured a range of activities aimed at educating visitors, participants and prospective investors on best practices in Tilapia aquaculture. Among the key events are:

• Aquaculture Symposium – Two of the successful local fisherfolk, Nelson Lacubtan of Quezon and Rafael Villezas, Jr. of Cabanglasan, discussed their advancements in tilapia farming, challenges, and their sustainable fishing methods.
• Aquaculture Seminar – Farmers and stakeholders learn about innovative techniques in breeding, feeding, and maintaining healthy fish stocks through Gretchen Daguisonan, Santeh Feed Marketing Development Supervisor.
• Post-Harvest Demonstration – Leah Bucog from BFAR-10 Post-Harvest and Marketing Section, showcased modern techniques in tilapia processing, preservation, and value-adding methods to help fish farmers increase profitability through value-adding.

Key highlights of the festivities also included the distribution of 600,000 tilapia fingerlings to fisherfolk in Malaybalay City, as well as contests like the search for the largest tilapia, won by LGU Baungon with its  entry weighing 2.169 kilos and the tilapia cooking competition bested by LGU Valencia City, with Tilapia Steak as its entry in the main dish category and for the snacks, LGU Manolo Fortich with its Tilapia Triangles.

The Southpang Fisherfolk Association of Pangantucan was also awarded as the Outstanding Fisherfolk Association; while the Abunda Farm of Manolo Fortich bagged the Best in Tilapia Aquafarm in Bukidnon. Both of which received a recognition plaque, cash prize and 12 sacks of aquafeeds. Meanwhile,  the Malaybalay City Fisherfolk Association was recognized as the Outstanding  Federated Fisherfolk Association in the province.

Fisherfolk Bring Tilapia to the Grill

Another key feature of the event to promote tilapia was the involvement of the fisherfolk participants from different associations in the province, who brought fresh and live tilapia for the competitions and the Sugbahan sa Dalan segment.

The onlookers feasted on the grilled smell of tilapia, some of them intrigued by its taste as a staple food in many households. 

A Collective Effort

PFO Sy, on her part, extended her gratitude to the partner offices and private companies that contributed to the successful execution of the activity.

“Ang BFAR-10, pinaagi sa PFO-Bukidnon, dako ang pasalamat sa Provincial Government of Bukidnon ug sa iyang 22 ka Local Government Units, ug uban pang mga pribadong stakeholders ug kompanya sama sa Santeh Feeds Corporation ug Elim Agribusiness Venture Incorporated para mahigayon kining kalihokan. Kini nga kalihokan nagtimaan sa selebrasyon sa tilapia farming, pati na usab sa mga post-harvest nga kalihokan ug pag-promote sa value-added products nga importante sa pagtubo sa kita sa industriya sa fisheries.”

“BFAR-10, through PFO-Bukidnon, is deeply grateful to the Provincial Government of Bukidnon and its 22 Local Government Units, as well as to other private stakeholders and companies including Santeh Feeds Corporation and Elim Agribusiness Venture Incorporated for making this event possible. The festival marks the celebration of tilapia farming, as well as of the fisheries post-harvest activities and of promoting value-added products that are important for the growth and profitability of the fisheries sector,” she said.

Strengthening the Local Aquaculture Industry

Director Salilig’s speech also highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting fish farmers through easy access to technical assistance, linkage to funding institutons, training, and technology demonstrations. 

Additionally, Governor Roque, through his representative, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the economic benefits of a thriving tilapia industry in Bukidnon and promised support to the inclusive development of the local fishery sector.

The successful festival served as a platform for local fish farmers to network, exchange knowledge, and explore potential partnerships with industry leaders and investors.