January 15, 2008

Cagayan Valley emerges as tilapia capital in the Philippines

Tilapia production in Cagayan Valley is surging, reaching an all-time high, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Hermogenes Tambalque, extension chief of BFAR, said that domestic supply for tilapia has risen by 37.25 percent in the past five years.

Last year, tilapia production reaped a record 14,000 million tonnes.

The provision of fast-growing tilapia species by the government helped to ensure the rapid production, according to Jovita Ayson, BFAR regional director.

Accreditation of private hatcheries to supply quality fingerlings and the establishment of demonstration farms and continued technical assistance incorporated with marketing strategies also contributed in the production boom.

Free fingerlings were also provided to newly constructed fishponds which went as far as Nueva Vizcaya, especially in Diadi town, where the region's most delectable tilapia is harvested, Ayson said.