A MILESTONE for local aquaculture, the United Christian Fisherfolk and Farmers Association (UCFFA) in Alfonso Lista, Ifugao harvested about 5.5 metric tons of tilapia from four high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages installed at Magat Dam.
This achievement is a direct result of the interventions from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) Aquaculture and Mariculture Expansion and Invigoration Project (Ameip), aimed at enhancing fish food sufficiency and promoting sustainable cage culture.
According to BFAR, with tilapia’s current market price at P126 per kilo in Ifugao and nearby provinces, the recent harvest translates to a substantial economic boost for the community.
The UCFFA’s bountiful harvest underscores the impact of collaborative efforts between government agencies and local communities. BFAR’s comprehensive livelihood support package included five units of 10-meter diameter HDPE cages, fingerlings, and fish feeds, empowering the association to adopt modern and efficient fish farming techniques.
Thanking BFAR for this game-changing initiative, UCFFA President Merwyn Stabilyo said that “the HDPE cages have significantly boosted our productivity compared to traditional methods.”
Also highlighting the project’s profound impact on members’ lives, Helen Marzan, UCFFA vice president, said “this has uplifted our organization and ensured a sustainable income for our fisherfolk.”
Marzan said the association is committed to managing the resources provided to them responsibly, ensuring long-term benefits for all.
BFAR-CAR Regional Director Lois June Fermin commended UCFFA for their dedication, emphasizing the project’s role in promoting food security and sustainable livelihoods in the region.
Fermin noted that as UCFFA members continue to thrive, their success story serves as a beacon for other communities.
“By harnessing modern technologies and partnerships, Ifugao’s fisherfolk are not only improving food security but also paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future,” he said.
Meanwhile, BFAR said that it is also strengthening local aquaculture through initiatives like a P1-million tilapia hatchery in Barangay Cawayan in Asipulo, Ifugao, which is set to enhance fingerling production and reduce reliance on external sources.
The hatchery, part of BFAR’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2, will include rearing ponds and holding tanks, with Cawayan Fisherfolk Association members undergoing training for sustainable management. LEANDER C. DOMINGO