The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office 02 awarded an Aquaculture Technology Package to the Tilapia-Grow Out Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Association of Barangay Manano, Mallig, Isabela. The package includes a two-day training for a representative of the association and provision of 2,500 fingerlings and supply of feeds until they are ready to be sold.
The training was attended by their SLPA President, Romeo C. Justo, together with other disadvantaged aquaculture farmers and budding associations of the province last March 15-16, 2018 at a BFAR Training Center in San Mateo, Isabela. It aims to impart and demonstrate the latest aquaculture innovations and technology to equip fish farmers on their practice. It includes discussions on Poly-Culture, Semi-Intensive Culture of Tilapia, Modified Integraded Rice-Fish Culture and Upland Aquaculture.
The Tilapia Grow-Out SLP Association was organized last October 2016 with 15 members. The SLPA received financial and technical support through the provision of Skills Training (Microenterprise Development) by DSWD FO2 Sustainable Livelihood Program. Also, collaborative efforts of BFAR, LGU Mallig through its Municipal Agriculture Office and BLGU Manano on areas of skills enhancement, operations management and monitoring initiatives were also given.
To date the SLPA was able to improve the existing area and put up their own fish pond with initial input of fourteen thousand fingerlings. On the first cycle of harvest, they were able to sell 1,491.5 kilos of tilapia with a gross income of P149, 150.00. This month, the SLPA was able to harvest around 1,300 kilos of tilapia with an approximate gross income of P130, 000.00. On the upcoming third cycle of harvest by August 2018, the SLPA projects a harvest of 900 kilos of tilapia which equates to a gross income amounting to P90, 000.00. The 3rd harvest will generate an approximate net income of P50, 000.00 since BFAR provided the fingerlings and supply of feeds.
The learning opportunity gained by the SLPA President was cascaded to the members of the association. The innovations and technology will be utilized to improve their existing aquaculture practice, increase profitability and serve as a platform for their enterprise diversification plan. ### By: Melisen Taquiqui, SLP Social Marketing Officer with a report from: Chester Carlo M. Trinidad, OIC-Regional Information Officer