Estancia’s Sta. Ana Dam receives 12,000 tilapia fingerlings

ILOILO CITY — Local fisherfolk and farmers are expected to benefit from increased freshwater fish production following the release of 12,000 tilapia fingerlings into Sta. Ana Dam in Estancia, Iloilo, on Oct. 16, 2026.

The initiative aims to improve local food security and provide additional livelihood opportunities for communities that depend on the dam for their daily needs.

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Region 6 conducted the activity in coordination with the Estancia local government, barangay officials and local fisherfolk under the Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa (BASIL) program.

Barangay Captain Erlina S. Jandonero said the initiative would help residents secure food for their families while supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on the dam.

“This is a big help to the livelihood of fisherfolk and farmers in our barangay. They only need to bring a fishing net, and within two hours or less, they can already catch fish for their meals,” Jandonero said.

She added that freshwater fish are used in various local dishes, including ginataang tilapia, lagpang puyo and other preparations using batwan, a souring fruit commonly used in Ilonggo cuisine.

Jandonero also emphasized the importance of protecting the dam, saying residents were prepared to help preserve the resource that supports their community.

Sta. Ana Dam is a 1.5-hectare small water impounding project developed in 2010.

Apart from the latest tilapia stocking, authorities had previously released 5,500 freshwater prawns, locally known as ulang, into the dam.

Some 200 fruit trees were also planted around the dam as part of efforts to improve the surrounding environment.

The construction of a brush park is also planned to provide shelter and habitat for fish, helping improve conditions for freshwater aquatic life.

Brush parks are structures typically made from branches and other natural materials that provide shelter and breeding areas for fish in inland waters.

BASIL, formerly known as the National Inland Fisheries Enhancement Program, is a nationwide BFAR initiative aimed at rehabilitating and restoring lakes, rivers and reservoirs.

Its activities include freshwater fish stocking, reforestation of buffer zones, waterway clearing and desilting, and the establishment of brush parks.

In Iloilo, BASIL activities in 2024 included rehabilitation efforts at the Buwang Small Water Impounding Project in Lambunao.

Fish restocking activities were also conducted at Alapasco Dam in Batad and the Potolan Small Water Impounding Project in Dingle.

In 2025, San Dionisio received tilapia fingerlings and two brush parks, while San Rafael benefited from another round of tilapia stocking.

The latest initiative in Estancia forms part of continuing government efforts to rehabilitate freshwater habitats while providing local communities with additional sources of food and livelihood.

By improving fish populations and supporting sustainable management of inland water resources, the program seeks to strengthen food security and the resilience of fishing and farming communities in Iloilo.