‘20,000 fingerlings released’: BFAR-Kalinga eyes added fish production at Magasusu irrigation facility

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – A total of 20,000 fish fingerlings were released into the Bulo-Magasusu Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) in Barangay Bulo, Tabuk City, on November 5, opening an opportunity to use the irrigation facility for fish production alongside its primary purpose of supplying water to farmlands.

According to Sarah Jean Biyang, Fishing Regulations Officer of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Kalinga, the fingerlings came from the Rizal Low Land Fish Farm.

The release was conducted as an additional activity during the inauguration of the ₱30.56-million SWIP, which is designed to provide irrigation water to 85 hectares of farmland and benefit 35 farmers.

While the facility was primarily built to support agricultural production, its impounded water also offers potential for fish culture, which could provide an additional source of food and livelihood for the community once the fish mature.

The initiative complements BFAR-Kalinga’s efforts to develop the province’s fisheries sector through the provision of fingerlings and other assistance to local fisherfolk and fish growers.

In 2025, Kalinga recorded approximately 161 metric tons, or 161,000 kilograms, of total fisheries production in the province, based on BFAR-Kalinga’s reported accomplishments.

The release of the 20,000 fingerlings is expected to help maximize the use of the impounding facility while providing another potential source of fish for the community.