Consultants and representatives from the World Bank, the National Project Management Office, and the Regional Project Implementation Unit (RPIU)-9 of the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project recently concluded its technical visit to the proposed Aqua-Business Technology Incubation (ABTI) center in Caraga region last June 19-20, 2025, in Butuan City.

Johnny Wright, an aquaculture consultant from the World Bank, led the technical visit at the Masao Technology Outreach Station (MTOS) as one of the proposed ABTI centers under the FishCoRe Project.

The purpose of the technical visit is to understand how the facility supports farmers and communities transitioning to aquaculture-based livelihoods and review the facility’s production capacity and identify infrastructure gaps that may hinder its operational efficiency. The visit also aims to assess potential risks to the facility’s reliability, sustainability and resilience, particularly in the face of climate change and market fluctuations, and to develop practical recommendations for the project’s funding proposals and implementation strategies moving forward.

MTOS is one of the four major technology outreach stations operated by the DA-BFAR Caraga. The facility spans 25 hectares, which includes 11 nursery ponds, 3 transition ponds, and 3 rearing ponds dedicated to bangus fingerling production. It also has an aquasilviculture area for mangrove crab farming. The technology outreach station also serves as a techno-demo site and training ground for the local stakeholders, fisherfolk, and students, providing hands-on learning and technical knowledge on brackishwater aquaculture.

With the FishCoRe Project, the proposed establishment of the ABTI center aims to strengthen coastal communities’ resilience by promoting sustainable aquaculture and fisheries-based enterprises, enhancing livelihood opportunities, and contributing to the development of the region’s blue economy. (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga)