DUE to its pristine waters and absence of severe weather condition, Camiguin now boasts as the site of the “the first-ever government operated milkfish hatchery in Mindanao.”
Agriculture Undersecretary Jesus Emmanuel Paras together with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director Malcolm I. Sarmiento, Jr., Camiguin Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo, BFAR-10 Regional Director Arlene B. Pantanosas and Mahinog Mayor Alex R. Jajalla led the launching of Fish Breeding Facility at Benoni Lagoon, in Mahinog, Camiguin recently.
On the same day, a P4.6-million multi-species fish hatchery in Manuyog, Sagay, Camiguin was also launched to cater to the produce of the breeding facility in Benoni lagoon.
Both the broodstock in Benoni, Mahinog and hatchery in Manuyog, Sagay are part of the integrated milkfish development program of BFAR-10 aims to make northern Mindanao self-sufficient in bangus aqua-culture.
It was learned that the region is currently importing fresh bangus and fingerlings from southern Mindanao and western Mindanao.
BFAR 10 Regional Director Arlene B. Pantanosas said that with this project going full steam, northern Mindanao will triple its bangus production and supply the requirements of the region, even outside.
The bangus broodstock in Benoni lagoon can supply about 100-million eggs annually which have continually spawned since July, she added.
Director Sarmiento lauded the project stressing the need to exert “more efforts” in attaining government’s objective to be self-sufficient in fisheries. “We need more initiatives like this one in Camiguin,” says Sarmiento.
Agriculture Undersecretary Jesus Emmanuel Paras gave assurance of DA’s full support to the BFAR initiative aimed to lower bangus production cost and subsequently lower bangus prices in the local markets.
For his part, Governor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo was very happy that Camiguin was selected as the site of the BFAR project, saying this can “attract visitors and add revenues” for the province.
Mayor Alex R. Jajalla, in a statement, was also elated with the fish breeding center being located in Mahinog, as this will promote Benoni Lagoon as “agri-tourism destination” in this part of the region. (Mahinog Information Office)
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