Lubuagan, Kalinga – To boost inland aquatic resources and improve food availability in upland communities, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Kalinga recently released freshwater eel fingerlings in selected creeks in the municipality of Lubuagan.
Freshwater eel, locally known as “igat,” is traditionally found in Kalinga’s rivers, creeks, rice fields, and other waterways and has long been part of inland fishing practices in the province.
The species is considered valuable both as a source of food and income for the iKalingas due to its high market demand.
At the national level, freshwater eel is recognized as one of the important inland fishery species, with strong demand in both domestic and export markets.
According to reports, the Philippines exported more than 23,000 metric tons of eels in 2023, with an export value of about ₱3 billion, making eel one of the notable species from freshwater fisheries and aquaculture in the country.
In Kalinga, eel has contributed to the province’s overall inland fisheries production, although recent data show a slight decline in output in 2025.
Based on a report from the Philippine Statistics Authority dated July 17, 2025, the province produced 0.31 metric tons of eel last year, which is 16.22 percent lower compared to the 0.37 metric tons recorded during the same period in 2024 (January–March).
The decline has been attributed to overharvesting and habitat loss. In response, BFAR-Kalinga released eel fingerlings in Lubuagan’s creeks on December 19 to help restock local eel populations.
In an interview, Provincial Fishery Officer Joyce Docyogen said the initiative aims to restore declining wild eel production in rivers and creeks in upland municipalities such as Lubuagan.
“This is a continuing effort to ensure that eel populations remain viable in our rivers and creeks while also helping communities increase fish production,” Docyogen added.
According to the Philippine Information Agency–Cordillera, a total of four kilograms of eel fingerlings were released in strategic waterways in the municipality, specifically in Boutigue Creek in Barangay Mabilong, Sewap Creek in Poblacion, and Teyob and Poway creeks in Barangay Dangoy.
Apart from the eel dispersal, the agency also distributed fisheries materials to 26 fisherfolk beneficiaries from Barangays Mabilong, Upper Uma, and Western Uma.
These included 26 cooler boxes, 26 roll nets, 52 crutches, and fish cages, aimed at improving local fisherfolk’s fishing efficiency and post-harvest handling.
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