By: Marie Sol B. Buntag

Tilapia harvest sparks new hope for Sagay fish growers

SAGAY, Camiguin (June 04) – The Sagay Inland Fish Grower Association (SIFGA), a beneficiary under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-10 (BFAR-10), recently harvested a significant volume of tilapia despite the unexpected heavy rains encountered at the course of culture. 

Using an all-male tilapia culture, preventing breeding and increase in stocks inside a pond, the technology was adopted due to limited fishpond areas but with abundant water sources in Sagay. Over 201 kilograms of tilapia from their communal fishpond equivalent to 1,175 pieces were harvested, with an average body weight (ABW) of 194 grams, following a six-month culture period.

In an interview, Mitchel June Cubelo, the association president, expressed her deep gratitude for the assistance provided by SAAD, noting that the knowledge and experience gained in culturing tilapia motivated them to establish their own fishpond.

“Mapasalamaton usab ako sa akong mga kauban sa ilang dakong tabang sa pag-atiman sa isda, sukad sa pagsugod hangtod sa pag-ani sa tilapia. Kini unta makahatag nato ug dugang pang kadasig ug panaghiusa aron mapalambo pa gyud ang atong grupo ug mapadayon ang kalampusan sa atong mga umaabot nga proyekto,” Cubelo said.

[“I would also like to thank my colleagues for their tremendous effort in culturing the fish, from the beginning until the harvest of tilapia. May this provide us with additional motivation and unity to further develop our group and continue the success of our upcoming projects,”]

The harvested tilapia was sold in local markets and neighboring communities at a farm-gate price of 150 pesos per kilo, providing additional income for the members and helping promote locally sourced, fresh fish.

This significant event marks a productive beginning for the group and leaves a lasting impact on its members, fueling their hope and determination to continue tilapia production even beyond the support of the SAAD Program.