May 22, 2006

Philippines launches aquaculture project to create job opportunities

Authorities in the central province of Cebu in Philippines inaugurated an aquaculture project to develop swampland into productive aquaculture regions Wednesday (May 17).

The 1.6 million-peso (US$30,000) project was inaugurated by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) officials and members of the local government.

The project aims to establish a system of fishponds and fishcages that would develop the Hito and Tilapia industry in the municipality of Carmen.

The project hopes to convert at least 740 hectares of swamps into productive aquaculture areas by 2010 where 11,000 tonnes of aquatic products could be harvested each year.

BFAR National Director Atty. Malcolm Sarmiento said the project would help improve the lives of fishfarmers in Carmen.

Governor Gementiza said that he was delighted with the project and pledged to repair the surrounding infrastructure.

The aquaculture project is part of the present administration's job creation programme which encompasses developments in the countryside designed to improve opportunities in the agriculture and fishery sectors.