BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur – A major boost to Caraga’s aquaculture industry is underway as the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga and the local government unit (LGU) of Bislig City officially held its groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the P26.4-million multispecies marine hatchery on February 14, 2025, in Barangay Caguyao.

The facility is expected to enhance fish production, reduce dependence on imported fry, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for fisherfolk and nearby communities in Surigao del Sur.

Reducing reliance on imported fry

Chief aquaculturist Rizalinda L. Abing underscored the hatchery’s crucial role in addressing the country’s reliance on imported milkfish (bangus) fry.

“The Philippines imports around 1.5 billion pieces of bangus fry from Indonesia. Once fully operational, this project is expected to reduce imports by 85%,” Abing said.

Designed to produce 25 million bangus fry annually, the hatchery will also cultivate high-value species such as pompano, shrimp, and crabs. Given Bislig’s reputation for quality crabs, the facility is expected to reinforce the city’s aquaculture sector.

For the first two years, DA-BFAR will fund and oversee the facility’s operations, training personnel in hatchery management and implementing phase-in schemes to maximize its benefits for local fishers.

A long-awaited development

DA-BFAR Caraga regional director Omnia B. Olama expressed gratitude for the LGU’s collaboration, which played a vital role in bringing the project to fruition.

“We are delighted that this project is finally becoming a reality. This would not have been possible without the LGU’s support,” RD Olama said.

RD Olama also emphasized the importance of training local personnel during the BFAR-led management phase to ensure a smooth transition once the facility is turned over to the city government.

“We want to ensure that when we hand over this hatchery, it won’t turn into a ‘white elephant.’ It must continue serving its purpose for our fishing communities,” the regional director added.

Commitment to sustainability

Bislig City Mayor Florencio C. Garay reaffirmed the LGU’s commitment to the success of the project, acknowledging the importance of the hatchery to the local fishing sector.

“We will ensure that this project does not go to waste. This is an important initiative for our people, especially our fisherfolk. We will do our part in supporting and sustaining this hatchery,” Garay remarked.

Mayor Garay also expressed gratitude to DA-BFAR for their investment and assured that the city government has also provided counterpart funding to support the facility’s development.

Funded under the Legislated Hatchery Program of DA-BFAR, the facility is set for completion by 2026. Once operational, it will empower local fisherfolk, bolster aquaculture productivity, and contribute to food security in the region.# (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga)