UPV, Iloilo boost skills for sustainable milkfish farming

The University of the Philippines Visayas, through its College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and Institute of Aquaculture, partnered with the Iloilo provincial government to conduct training on milkfish grow-out technologies, good aquaculture practices, and fingerling handling and stocking from June 29 to July 1, 2026, at the Ina Farmers Learning Site & Agri-Farm Inc. in Barangay Agcuyawan Calsada, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.

The three-day program aimed to strengthen the technical knowledge and practical skills of milkfish farmers, fisheries technicians, and extension workers to support sustainable and productive aquaculture in the province.

The Provincial Agriculture Office-Fisheries Division organized the activity under the provincial government’s Milkfish Industry Development Program, which seeks to improve the competitiveness of Iloilo’s milkfish industry through capacity-building and the adoption of good aquaculture practices.

Recognizing UP Visayas’ expertise in aquaculture education, research, and extension, the provincial government invited faculty members and research, extension, and professional services personnel from the Institute of Aquaculture to serve as resource speakers.

The training gathered 25 participants from Carles, Zarraga, Banate, Dumangas, Barotac Nuevo, Estancia, Concepcion, and Anilao, as well as personnel from the Provincial Agriculture Office and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 6.

The diverse group exchanged experiences, discussed common challenges in milkfish farming, and shared effective practices.

The program began with an overview of Iloilo’s milkfish industry presented by Jake E. Martirez of BFAR Region 6.

Carmelo del Castillo discussed milkfish health management, while Rosy Janeo presented proper methods for handling, transporting, acclimatizing, and stocking milkfish fingerlings.

The sessions emphasized fish health management and proper fingerling handling to improve survival rates, reduce stress, and enhance production performance.

On the second day, Assistant Professor Fredson H. Huervana discussed milkfish grow-out technologies, including pond preparation and water quality management.

Participants also joined an interactive workshop on stock monitoring, feeding management, and farm-input calculations to apply the concepts to practical farming scenarios.

The workshop promoted problem-solving, active participation, and knowledge-sharing among farmers and fisheries practitioners.

The training concluded with a field visit to Guelos’ Fish Farm in Dumangas, Iloilo, where participants observed the application of good aquaculture practices in an operating milkfish farm.

The visit also allowed participants to discuss farm operations, production challenges, and practical management strategies with farm personnel.

Throughout the program, participants discussed pond management, water quality, feeding strategies, disease prevention, and other production concerns.

The activity also strengthened collaboration among local governments, national agencies, academic institutions, and aquaculture stakeholders working to advance sustainable milkfish production in Iloilo.

It provided fish farmers and fisheries extension workers with a venue to raise concerns, share field experiences, and seek practical recommendations from aquaculture experts.

The training came as Philippine milkfish aquaculture continued to show growth, with national milkfish production increasing 7.8% in the first quarter of 2025 from a year earlier, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. (⁠Philippine Statistics Authority)

Among the participants was Mila Silvela, fisheries extension officer of Zarraga, who described the training as “very informative and motivational.”

Silvela said the knowledge and skills she gained would help her provide better assistance and advice to fish farmers in her municipality.

Her feedback highlighted the program’s role in equipping fisheries extension personnel with practical knowledge that can be shared with local communities.

Felina Grace Basco, head of the Provincial Agriculture Office-Fisheries Division, said the training was among the collaborative initiatives of the Iloilo provincial government, BFAR, and UP Visayas to strengthen the milkfish industry and promote sustainable fisheries development.

Basco said science-based innovation and strong institutional partnerships would help improve fisherfolk livelihoods and restore Iloilo’s position as a leading producer of high-quality milkfish.

The activity reflects UP Visayas’ continuing commitment to its extension and public service mandate by translating research into practical technologies that address the aquaculture industry’s needs.

Through partnerships with government agencies and local stakeholders, the university continues to build the capacities of fish farmers and fisheries technicians, improve aquaculture productivity, and promote the sustainable development of the Philippine milkfish industry. (CFOS-IA, with reports from the Iloilo Provincial Agriculture Office-Fisheries Division)