March 30, 2023

US$570,000 hatchery to boost aquaculture production in Albay, Philippines

Fernando Cabredo, Albay 3rd District Representative, has announced a new multi-species hatchery worth PHP 31 million (~US$570,000; PHP 10 = US$0.18) will be built in Ligao City, which is expected to help increase fish production and contribute to the aquaculture industry of Albay province and the rest of the Bicol region in the Philippines, the Philippine News Agency reported.

The hatchery is located in Barangay Maonon and is intended to sustain the production of different marine species, such as milkfish, saline tilapia, and mangrove crabs.

Cabredo said that the facility was established thanks to Republic Act 10950, authored by then-congressman, now Ligao City Mayor Fernando Gonzalez and signed into law by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017. The aim of the law is to ensure the sustainability of the supply of marine products, address food security, and provide livelihood opportunities for locals and fisherfolk in the coastal areas.

Cabredo also said that the multi-species hatchery in Ligao will help address the increasing market demand in the whole region and is aligned with the Philippines' government's call for sustainable food production and development of the nation's agriculture sector.

The Philippines' Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will lead the operations and implement training for local government unit (LGU) personnel within two years after the construction of the multi-species marine hatchery, then transfer the management to the LGU. Once the hatchery is fully operational, it is projected to have an annual income of PHP 5 million (~US$92,000).

A similar facility will also be established in Libon town, with the groundbreaking ceremony tentatively scheduled for April.

-      Philippine News Agency