ComVal fish farmers gain more skills trainings

By Grace Almedilla

NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley Province, Sept. 21 – Series of skills training on fish production have been conducted by the provincial government through the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAGRO) in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), and the local government units.

Aiming to help provide income and livelihood to the Comvalenyos, aquaculture is another industry being focused.

On September 19-21, 2012, residents of ‘Ang Bag-ong Malambuong Mabini USWAG Gawad Kalinga Village’ enjoyed the training on Aquasilvi Mud Crabs Production at Sitio Subok, San Antonio, Mabini.

According to research, Aquasilvi is an environment-friendly mangrove aquaculture system that promotes harmonious co-existence between fishery species and mangrove trees. 

Semi-enclosed with mudcrub culture, this system aside for alternative livelihood provision, instills the value of coastal protection and maintenance of the ecosystem.

Another recent skills training conducted was the 3-day ‘Garungan’ Production Training in Pantukan in the month of August. 

Garungan refers to the 3-inches milkfish or ‘bangus’.  With the country as one of the top milkfish producers, bangus farming has been regarded by most fishery experts.  

Participated not only by the fisherfolks but stakeholders, school institutions, Cooperatives, and private sectors, other fish production trainings conducted earlier this year include Pangasius Target Market Taste Test Training in Monkayo, Seminar on Feed Formulation and Feeding Management in Mawab’ and Seminar on Pangasius Business Opportunity in Compostela.

Provincial Fishery Coordinator Ronald Sibayan shared that the government has an existing fish hatchery located at Sta. Ana, Libasan, Nabunturan. 

The project is a continuing program in order to produce quality fingerlings for dispersal to fish farmers and interested stakeholders, he added.

Different agri-fishery projects especially those funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) are also monitored by the Provincial Agriculture & Fishery Council (PAFC) with the respective MAFCs of the province’s 11 municipalities as their partners.  (IDS-Comval/Grace Almedilla)