TUBAY, AGUSAN DEL NORTE – In a bid to enhance the sustainability of the aquaculture industry, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Caraga, in collaboration with the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga, launched the “Production of Bangus and Tilapia (Fry to Grow-out) Using Locally Formulated Feeds” Convergence Project on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

The initiative, which falls under PRDP’s Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan (AFMIP), aims to assess the efficiency of locally formulated feeds in comparison to commercial alternatives. The study will evaluate key metrics such as feed conversion ratio (FCR), return on investment (ROI), and overall fish quality from fry to grow-out stages to determine its viability for widespread use.

Addressing the high cost of feeds

Local government officials and fisheries experts highlighted the pressing challenge of high feed costs, which constitute 80% of total aquaculture production expenses.  

Municipal agriculturist Pedrito Nalam of LGU Tubay emphasized that while fish farming offers promising returns, high mortality rates and soaring feed expenses often lead to financial setbacks for farmers.  

“One of the biggest challenges in aquaculture is the cost of feed. Farmers invest in raising fish, but when it’s time to harvest, most of the profit is lost to feed expenses. Finding sustainable and affordable alternatives is crucial for the industry’s growth,” Nalam explained.

Soybean as a key feed ingredient

The project explores locally available feed ingredients, particularly soybean meal, as a sustainable alternative to costly commercial feeds. Project leader Gemma A. Asufre from DA Caraga noted that Caraga is uniquely positioned for this initiative, being the only region in the Philippines with local soybean production.  

“Our region produces two varieties of soybeans—Manchuria (yellow) and Tudela (black)—which have crude protein levels comparable to those from Argentina. With proper processing, protein content can reach up to 47%, making it suitable for aquafeeds,” Asufre shared. She also revealed DA’s plan to expand soybean cultivation to 30,000 hectares, ensuring a stable local supply for feed production.  

Scientific approach for sustainable aquaculture

Senior aquaculturist Ian Batitang, who represented Regional Director Omnia B. Olama, stressed the importance of thorough research before scaling up the initiative.

“One trial is not enough. We need at least three trials to validate our findings and determine the effectiveness of locally formulated feeds. This research-driven approach will guide future large-scale production,” Batitang stated.

Meanwhile, PRDP-PSO Mindanao I-PLAN component head Elden Karl Requilme underscored the European Union’s (EU) funding for fisheries projects, which could further support innovations in the sector. He highlighted the three primary cost concerns in aquaculture — funding, fish, and feed —and emphasized the need for strong collaboration among PRDP, LGUs, municipal agriculture offices, and BFAR.

With continued research and strategic partnerships, the development of cost-effective, locally produced aquafeeds could significantly lower production costs, improve profitability for fish farmers, and drive economic growth in Caraga’s aquaculture sector.# (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga, with reports from Sheen Chic Zenith Perral & Princess Jane U. Doldolea)

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