Milkfish project envisions fry, fingerlings increase following launching, MOA signing

With the goal of providing the needed agricultural support to hatchery and nursery operations of cooperators in Central Luzon, the “Enhanced Productivity and Resiliency through Improved Milkfish Hatchery and Nursery Protocols in Central Luzon” project was launched and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on 14 October 2021 via Google Meet.

Spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), the project aims to increase the number of fry and fingerlings of milkfish, which will then help increase the income of fisherfolk. In close collaboration also with the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Central Luzon and Zambales local government unit, the project will specifically strengthen the milkfish hatchery and nursery, as well as the development of a linkage system to grow-out farmers in the said province. 

According to DA-NFRDI Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center chief Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia, this project in Zambales is the second part of the milkfish project since the first one was successfully implemented in Quezon.

Despite the challenges with regards to the operations of milkfish hatcheries and nurseries, DA-BFAR Central Luzon regional director Wilfredo Cruz in his opening remarks, mentioned that these two phases (hatcheries and nurseries) of the research are still crucial for the country’s milkfish industry.

“Itong project na ito ay napakahalaga and relevant lalung-lalo na in terms of bangus....To the cooperators, I would like to encourage everybody na mahalin natin ang project na ito. Nakikita ko ang ibibigay nito na assistance in terms of materials,” DA-NFRDI acting executive director Dr. Lilian Garcia highlighted.

With the project being funded by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), director Dr. Vivencio Mamaril, mentioned that the bureau aims to fund development projects or research that have a direct impact on the farmers and fisherfolk.

Hence, more than gratitude, DA-BAR director Dr. Mamaril emphasized in his message, “Ang biyaya ay pinagyayaman, pina-uunlad, at pinagtatagumpayan,” as he hopes to witness growth and improvement in the lives of the bureau’s beneficiaries. 

After the key messages, as well as presentation of the project— DA-BFAR Central Luzon regional director Cruz and DA-NFRDI acting executive director Dr. Garcia then led the MOA signing activity.