BFAR 6 distributes 74,500 fingerlings in Iloilo

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office VI distributed 74,500 fingerlings to local government units, institutions and cooperatives across Iloilo from April 9–10 to support inland aquaculture.

The distribution, facilitated through the agency’s Regional Fisheries Research and Development Center, formed part of efforts to strengthen local fish production and expand community-based aquaculture livelihood programs.

Of the total, 72,500 catfish fingerlings were allocated to 15 individual growers and six beneficiary groups.

The beneficiaries included the local government units of San Dionisio, Lambunao, Maasin and San Rafael.

Other recipients were the National Irrigation Administration-Lambunao, a multipurpose cooperative in Sta. Barbara, and St. Therese MTC Colleges in Tigbauan.

An additional 2,000 tilapia fingerlings were distributed to support small-scale and backyard fish-farming initiatives.

BFAR 6 said in a statement released April 15 that the initiative aims to boost inland fish production, strengthen food security and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for aquaculture communities.

The agency added that it continues to promote responsible aquaculture practices to help ensure long-term productivity and sustainability in the fisheries sector.

The distribution comes amid increasing demand for affordable protein sources and continuing government efforts to strengthen local food security through fisheries and aquaculture development.