Oriental Mindoro, Philippines – In line with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. of advancing food security and sustainability through modern technology transfer, and through the leadership of Department of Agriculture’s Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), led by National Director Elizer Salilig, BFAR-MIMAROPA marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its first Aquafeed Mill, held on March 19, 2025, at Brgy. Nasucob, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro. The facility, strategically situated near the 161-hectare mariculture park and in proximity to the bangus and shrimp hatcheries in Oriental Mindoro, aims to enhance local aquaculture by providing affordable and accessible fish feeds.

BFAR-MIMAROPA Regional Director Roberto Abrera led the inauguration ceremony, emphasizing the importance of this multi-million facility in boosting the local fisheries sector. The Aquafeed Mill is expected to produce between 250 to 300 kilograms of high-quality aqua feeds per hour, according to Lea A. Dagot, Officer-in-Charge of the Fisheries Post-Harvest and Marketing Section under the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division (FPSSD) of BFAR-MIMAROPA. Its location also benefits from nearby port and airport access, facilitating the distribution of products.

Among the officials present at the ceremony were BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig, BFAR Assistant Director for Technical Services Isidro P. Velayo, BFAR-MIMAROPA Provincial Fisheries Officer for Oriental Mindoro Rolando C. Miranda, and Mayor Ernilo C. Villas of the Municipality of Bulalacao. The event commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Abrera and Salilig, followed by a blessing officiated by Reverend Father Edwin Semilla.

RD Abrera highlighted that the newly built Aquafeed Mill will play a crucial role in ensuring fish food sufficiency, sustaining livelihood opportunities, and fostering a more vibrant fisheries sector in MIMAROPA. The facility is poised to support local sorghum and corn growers, which are essential raw materials for feed production, furthering a symbiotic relationship between agriculture and aquaculture.

As MIMAROPA continues to develop its aquaculture capabilities, the community looks forward to the benefits of this landmark initiative, which promises to enhance food security and create new economic opportunities for local fisherfolk.