Press Release
Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Regional Office No. 5
San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur 4418
Email: region5@bfar.da.gov.ph
Website: www.bfar.da.gov.ph
Telefax: (054) 361-2326

MULTI-SPECIES FISH HATCHERY AND NURSERY TO RISE IN SAGŇAY TOWN

FOR MORE FISH. A Ceremonial Groundbreaking of the Sagñay Multi-Species Hatchery and Nurseryin the coastal barangay of Patitinan, Sagñay, Camarines Sur was graced by BFAR-RO5Regional Director Dennis del Socorro (3rd from left), Congressman Arnulfo Fuentebella, Mayor Evelyn Fuentebella of Sagñay, Engr. Emma Timbang of DPWH - 3rd Engineering District of Cam. Sur and Mr. Melchor Deramas, Chief of BFAR-RO5 Admin. & Finance Division (1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th from right respectively) as they lower the time capsule. Right photo shows the perspective of the project.

In support to the aquaculture development in Bicol, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office No. 5 shall establish a multi-species hatchery and nursery for high-value fishes in the coastal barangay of Patitinan, Sagñay, Camarines Sur in cooperation with the Office of the 4th Congressional District of Cam. Sur, the Local Government Unit of Sagñay, South East Asian Fisheries Development Center - Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - 3rd Engineering District.

The establishment of the multi-species hatchery and nursery shall support the supply of fingerlings for mariculture projects particularly in the nearby Sagñay Mariculture Zone located in Barangay Bongalon as well as meet the demand of of fishpond growers/operators in the region on a year-round basis. This facility is envisioned to produce bangus fry, prawn post-larvae and saline tilapia fingerlings as well as other species of marine fishes such as snapper, sea bass, pompano, rabbitfish, kikiro and mudcrab.
A ceremonial ground-breaking was held here last March 11, graced by BFAR Regional Director Dennis del Socorro, Congressman Arnulfo Fuentebella, Mayor Evelyn Fuentebella, Engr. Emma Timbang of DPWH and Engrs. Arnel Gelvero and Hermoso Igcasan of SEAFDEC. Meanwhile, the blessing of the time capsule was officiated by Rev. Fr. Jesus Alarte Jr., parish priest of Sibaguan-Patitinan
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BFAR Regional Director Dennis Del Socorro hopes that the project will be a centre of hatchery technology in this part of Bicol Region in terms of marine species and to serve as a venue for hands-on training for fisherfolk, investors, fisheries students and other interested clientele.
The hatchery project is located in a 5,816 m2 lot donated by Dr. Emma Fuentebella-Rebato, heir of Manuel Fuentebella Jr.
The hatchery will consist of 6 units of concrete fish-larval rearing tank; 12 units of natural food tank; 3 units of broodstock tank; and a pumping and aeration system. In addition, 8 units of nursery tanks will be constructed.

Collaborative efforts will be done to ensure the success of the project.  BFAR-RO5 shall monitor the implementation of the project from the start until the completion of construction of the hatchery and its operation. DPWH shall develop the land of the proposed site. SEAFDEC-AQD will supervise the construction of the multi-species hatchery and nursery facilities shall provide BFAR with the technical support.

Director Del Socorro stressed that the community must be the stewards in protecting their sea from illegal fishing activities because the project shall get its water supply from the sea and other freshwater sources in the community.

Also in attendance during the groundbreaking are Partido State University officials led by Vice-President Raul Bradecina, BFAR employees, teachers and students of Patitinan Elementary School and Agro-Industrial High School of Sagñay, LGU officials, Barangay officials of Brgy. Patitinan led by Chairwoman Zaida Baron, and fisherfolk leaders of Bicol led by National FARMC Member Ely Ramos. (kathilotin)