P5M fish cage project planned for Ifugao fisher folks

Ifugao, Philippines – The Bureau of Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Cordillera plans to establish a P5 million worth of 5-unit complete package of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) circular fish cage project in Magat reservoir in Ifugao Province.

This is designed to maximize the utilization of the dam while sustaining resident fisher folk’s livelihood to increase production and their income.

Once established, production could grow up to 3 megaton (MT) per unit annually.

“Each cage unit with 10-m diameter and 6-m depth will be stocked with 10,000 pcs tilapia to produce 1,500 kgs after 5 to 6 months culture period,” BFAR-CAR said.

According to Senior Aqua-culturist Marx Perfecto C. Garcia, the fish cage is disaster-resilient that it can stand up against destructive situations as its cage frame is made from high-density Polyethylene materials “which can last a lifetime and its circular design that reduces the impact of strong winds and waves into the structure.”

The cage according to said agency, will be installed in accordance with the required maximum depth to ensure the sustainability of its usage and could be moved during storms to prevent further damages and losses.

Activities to be conducted before turn-over

Prior to the turn-over of the project, the agency is now conducting preparations for potential fisherfolk associations through a series of consultations, social preparations, and constant coordination.

As of this writing, five fisherfolk groups in Ifugao have already showed interest to take part in the project.

Regional Director Lilibeth Signey said that interested organizations should prepare their management plan, activities, and contingency plans for the agency to determine their operational efforts from stocking, harvesting up to marketing their produce.

The Regional Director also mentioned that fisherfolk groups should reorganize to ensure that harmonious relationships exist among members.

This could possibly materialize as the agency aims to “continuously strengthen the organization of fisherfolk groups in consonance with the ONE DA approach under the Agri-Industrial Business Corridors (ABCs).”

“Through the ABCs, organized fisherfolk groups get more additional funding support as well as access to resources, including state-of-the-art production technologies, hatcheries and nurseries, capital, and value-adding facilities. This will build a strong bargaining power of fisherfolk in any intervention, thus attain a competitive market with no middlemen involved,” Signey said.

To be part of the project, qualified fisher folks will have to undergo capacity building particularly on Enterprise Management and Development, Operation of the HDPE cages, and financial literacy.

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