Jacmal, Aguinaldo, Ifugao. Revitalizing the production of once then-abundant Indigenous species such as loach and Ginga in the region, the Bureau, in partnership with the Municipal Government Unit of Aguinaldo, led the turnover ceremony of the improved hatchery for Pikaw (loach) and Ginga (Lymnaea sp.) here at Reny’s Innovative Farm recently.
The improvement of said hatchery project was an initiative of the LGU-Aguinaldo through the approved funding support from the BFAR-CAR to maximize some production areas in the farm of Mr. Reny B. Balanao. This likewise aimed to improve and revive the production of this edible soft-shelled snail called Ginga including loach as regional priority commodities. This has also been the clamor of the local communities to bring back these edible foods that were in existence before.
To celebrate the breakthrough for Aguinaldo, Mayor Gaspar B. Chilagan Jr., expressed his gratitude to the BFAR and to all who supported and contributed to the improvement of the hatchery, highlighting the importance of these commodities. Mayor Chilagan then called for collective efforts to sustain the project, while also expressing hope that the Bureau would provide more training to Mr. Balanao to enhance quality and productivity.
Regional Director Lois June B. Fermin also expressed her joy as she recalled the importance of Ginga way back as an indigenous commodity and the Pikaw (loach) that has sustained the people in the Cordilleras. She added that the bureau is also willing to help boost loach production in Mayoyao to cater to the demand of loach enthusiasts, not to mention the ongoing collaboration with the Department of Agriculture through a joint project Heirloom Rice-Loach Project. RD Fermin shared that the project could aid not only in rice production but also boost the production of such species in the region in the same area.
Jacmal Punong Barangay Gilbert G. Liwayan was also in awe as he shared his insight about the project and the presence of visitors and representatives despite the inclement weather during the turnover ceremony. He commended the dedication and effort of Mr. Balanao for the project. PB Liwayan likewise asked for continuous support from BFAR to sustainably operate the hatchery and enhance the yields of these indigenous species in the locality.
He remarked, “Daytoy nga occasion, it marks another changeful history ditoy Jacmal lalong-lalo na in terms of agriculture in which daytoy nga munisipyo is an agricultural municipality. We have the largest pasture lands in Ifugao”.
Further, Aguinaldo Municipal Agriculturist Robert P. Changwayan, took the opportunity to share a story about the humble beginnings of the project, praising Mr. Balanao’s commitment. He stated, “Pagpasalamatak ket daytoy nga farmer nga napili tayo nga natulongan ket han da tayo nga inbaba. Inpapati na ket naidumduma pay daytoy nga technology nga inpakita na kanyatayo.”
In his acceptance message, Reny B. Balanao, the recipient of the project expressed his gratitude through a song performance with his self-titled song “Adda proposal ko” to show his appreciation to the Bureau, MLGU, and everyone who helped and supported the project. In his song, the lyrics highlighted his heartfelt gratitude towards the MLGU of Aguinaldo and the Bureau for the expansion and increased production of Ginga and Pikaw at his farm, all of which he considers blessings from God.
The representatives from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) responded to the acceptance message by delivering their respective remarks. Mr. Eric A. Aplosen representative of PSA assured that the agency will add the Pikaw and Ginga to their statistical data for fish production, and Marcelo B. Lihgawen, Information Center Manager of PIA pledged that they would help promote the Pikaw and Ginga production and its continuous development in the future.
To conclude the event, OIC-Provincial Agriculturist Steve C. Baccay stressed the importance of the project as aligned with the mandate of the Provincial Government of Ifugao to provide sufficient, nutritious, and affordable food for the people. Moreover, he also emphasized that agriculture and fisheries must have synergy in every municipality. He congratulated Mr. Balanao making him the epitome of a dedicated and innovative farmer who is a role model for other fisherfolk enthusiasts.
The event gathered barangay officials of barangay Jacmal, representatives from various Farmer and Fisherfolk Associations, Aguinaldo MLGU officials, the OIC Provincial Agriculturist, as well as representatives from PSA and PIA.
This turnover ceremony marks a significant milestone for the indigenous fisheries as the first shellfish hatchery in the region, aiming to boost and sustain shellfish and loach production.**R.Masangcay
