BUTUAN CITY — The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga, together with the DA–Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Caraga, reported significant gains in its convergence project designed to make aquaculture more cost-efficient.


In the data results presentation held on Friday, August 22, 2025, project implementers said the initiative—funded with ₱1.37 million under the DA-PRDP I-PLAN Sub-component 1.2—focuses on producing affordable, locally-made feeds to reduce fish farmers’ dependence on commercial feeds, which account for nearly 80 percent of aquaculture expenses.


Preliminary results showed that feeds formulated from Caraga-sourced raw materials can lower production costs while boosting farm profitability. In bangus culture trials in Barobo, fish fed with locally produced mash feeds delivered more than triple the return on investment compared to commercial feeds, though growth performance was affected by feed form and limited feeding schedules.


Tilapia farmers also saw higher gross profits, thanks to lower input costs and better feed conversion ratios. The presence of natural food in ponds further sustained growth despite reduced feeding.


The nine-month project covers the full production cycle of bangus and tilapia—from fry nursing to grow-out stages—using the DA-BFAR Masao Technology Outreach Station in Agusan del Norte as the main hub. Grow-out activities are also ongoing in Surigao del Sur and other parts of Agusan del Norte. With tamban fishmeal in short supply, the team has started experimenting with janitor fish as an alternative feed ingredient.


DA and PRDP officials, along with DA-BFAR Caraga’s project team, joined the update session to review progress. The convergence of agencies, DA-BFAR said, underscores government’s commitment to advancing sustainable and locally grounded solutions for the aquaculture sector.#