The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries reports that the country’s Bangus production has seen a steady increase this year, citing data shared by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

For the first half of 2021, PSA data show that the country’s bangus production increased by 8.3%, recording a total volume of 184,926.7 metric tons by the end of June 2021, higher compared to last year’s volume of 170,755 MT recorded on the same period.

Among the regions, Region 12 marked the highest growth rate of 116%, followed by the National Capital Region with 99.2% and then by Region 7 with 40.6%. The top performing regions in terms of production are the Central Luzon with 55,740.14 MT (30.14%), followed by the Ilocos Region with 47,552.54 MT (25.71%) and the Western Visayas with 46,108.95 MT (24.16%).

This increase in production, however, is not solely recorded on bangus sold in marketable size. As of the third quarter of 2021, the industry has also recorded a 40.8% increase in production of bangus fry for aquaculture. From 771 million pieces of fry produced on said period last year, this increased to 1.085 billion bangus fry this year.

“In 2020, we are yet at 95.8% but our goal is 100% food fish sufficiency through 100% local production. The increase in production recorded for any commodity that we are developing, for instance, bangus, only shows that we are on the right track with our efforts which we make sure are always rooted on the principle of sustainable production based on the guidance of  our Agriculture Secretary William Dar,” BFAR National Director Gongona said.

Director Gongona said that these major improvements are results of active stakeholders’ participation, increased efficiency and production capacity of government hatcheries following rehabilitation, and the operation of Satellite Community-Based Larval Rearing Facilities (SCBLRF) in the country, established through the Bangus Fry Sufficiency Program.

DA-BFAR Technology Outreach Stations as well as established SCBLRF were able to double its fry production, recording 120.89% increase from 15.32 million fry produced last year to 33.84 million fry this year. Private hatchery production also increased by 53.22% from 607 million fry as reported last year to 930.60 million fry this year.

Aside from establishing satellite hatcheries and SCBLRF nationwide, the Bangus Fry Sufficiency Program also supports broodstock development in regional technology outreach stations. This year, 14 broodstock cages and additional 2,550 pieces of broodstock are already under procurement. Other activities of the Program include the establishment of fry holding facilities with target at Ilocos Sur, livelihood support to wild fry gatherers, as well as pilot-testing of algal paste in hatcheries in Region 1 and 3 to address issues on collapse of natural food in hatcheries.

With more sources of fry and fingerlings in the country, the Bureau can readily provide stocks to targeted beneficiaries not only as regular livelihood assistance, but also as relief and rehabilitation assistance for those affected by calamities such as the recent Typhoon Maring.

DA-BFAR’s Regional Office in CALABARZON has reported allotting 2.69 million pieces of Bangus fingerlings for 538 beneficiaries in Laguna and Rizal through its ‘Relief and Rehabilitation Program: Quick Response Fund (QRF).’ The volume of fingerlings to be distributed is determined based on the damage and loss assessment conducted by the region.

Aside from BFAR CALABARZON, other BFAR Regional Offices in regions affected by the typhoon also initially distributed necessary assistance to fisherfolk in the form of Bangus fingerlings: BFAR Region 1 (567,490 Bangus fingerlings), MIMAROPA (400,000) and Region 5 (60,000). 

Aside from Bangus fingerlings, fingerlings of tilapia, mudcrab, seabass and catfish, as well as other stocks like siganids, tilapia fry, seaweeds and shrimp post-larvae were also distributed.

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References:

BFAR Information and Fisherfolk Coordination Unit at ifcu@bfar.da.gov.ph

BFAR Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Division at ifad@bfar.da.gov.ph 

Photo: BFAR Regional Director Wilfredo M. Cruz

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