The Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 2 in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Allacapan, launched a Fish Cage Livelihood Project at Barangay Silagan, Allacapan, Cagayan.
With this project this will effectively generate higher income, increase fisheries production and ensure affordability and availability of fish supply during this pandemic.
The said livelihood is a pilot project of the bureau under the Enhanced Aquaculture and Sustainable Capture Fisheries of the "Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Kontra sa COVID-19" of the Department of Agriculture which aims to ensure food sufficiency during the pandemic.
The ceremonial fish stocking was spearheaded by Dr. Milagros C. Morales, BFAR RO2 Regional Director, together with Mr. Venchito Villarao, Provincial Fishery Officer for Cagayan and other officials on December 8.
Director Morales said, aside from the 2 units fish cages measuring 5m X 10m X 2.5m each, awarded to Napuaran SWISA (Napuaran Small Water Impounding System Association), the bureau also provided 60 bags of feeds and 6000 pieces of tilapia fingerlings. Culture period is 4 months and expected profit shall be used for succeeding operations to ensure sustainability of the project.
Director Morales reiterated that the Government through BFAR will remain steadfast in its support to the needs of its people.
That this project is just the beginning, the bureau can still provide additional fish cages if the project becomes successful.