The six-month project jointly initiated by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has produced seven metric tons of catfish worth more than P1 million in Soccsksargen (Soccsksargen-South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos) region.

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña said the PCAARRD-BFAR project was able to increase the region’s catfish production.

"To increase catfish production and support fish farmers to recover from the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic, a project titled “Catfish Production in Ponds” was launched by PCAARRD in partnership with BFAR Region 12,” he said in a report.

He noted that the project, which started in October 2020, yielded a total of seven metric tons (MT) of catfish or “hito”.

"The harvested fresh marketable catfish was valued at P1.05 million pesos in gross sales and net income per family of about P18,818,” de la Peña said.

Through the project, farmers were given fingerlings, commercial feeds and technical assistance, the DOST chief said.

"They were also trained and introduced with good aquaculture practices/technologies on catfish production through the coordination with BFAR and LGU (local government unit),” he said.

Under the project, de la Peña said a total of 20 backyard farms were established in which 20 families from Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; Aleosan, North Cotabato, T’boli, South Cotabato and Malungon, Sarangani Province were assisted.

The catfish project is one of the component projects of the GALING-PCAARRD Kontra COVID-19 program, the Council’s response to the government-led efforts against the pandemic in accordance with the Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.