A.Lista, IFUGAO. Almost one metric ton of tilapia was totally harvested from the one-unit HDPE cage here. This was a follow through activity after its launching last year and part of the P-5.1 million worth HDPE circular cages installed in the said reservoir.
The Sto. Domingo Fisherfolk and Farmers Association is the recipient of said unit cage which, according to its President Diosdado Bernal, this is the third association to harvest their produce. The association has 55 members (15 female, 40 male).
“From this harvest, we plan to organize and improve our association because we want that each member can learn how to manage the project. We are not after for the profit but build and established a strong organization toward enterprise development,” said Bernal.
He also urged his fellow fisherfolk to make use of the resource responsibly by strengthening and continuously build camaraderie within and among members of each association. “Not because I am the president, I can do all, everyone must contribute for the organization to succeed.”
Alfonso Lista Mayor Edralin B. Alipio said that he is glad to be part of this effort. “I was here, I witnessed everything from the launching and stocking last December. Today, I saw how these fisherfolk reap their harvest as a result of a successful project.”
Meanwhile, IFAD-FAS Chief Imelda R. Calixto said, “we are here to disperse government efforts toward fish sufficiency and inclusively uplifting the lives of fisherfolk communities especially here in Ifugao where the Magat Dam is situated.” She likewise mentioned the need to establish an ice plant facility to cater the need of fisherfolk during harvest.
RD Lilibeth L. Signey emphasized that when livelihood projects are responsibly and sustainably managed then it is a good attestation that recipients are truly serious about this livelihood intervention. “While we help you generate livelihood opportunities, do not forget to conserve and protect our resources for the next generation to still utilize these resources.”
NIA-MARIIS Representative Bjorn B. Avena, shared his profound appreciation for the job well done. “Since NIA is now under the Department of Agriculture, we expect that partnership with BFAR will foster stronger collaboration in the future.”
In terms of production data gathering, “one of our main activities is the conduct of quarterly survey of inland fisheries in aquaculture. We processed the data and verified it from the respondents. Mostly, the interventions of BFAR cause some effects in the increase in production in Ifugao”, said PSA-Ifugao Chief Statistical Specialist Delano C. Bolislis.
PIA-Ifugao Information Center Manager Marcelo Lihgawon likewise joined the activity sharing the importance of promoting government interventions through proper documentations and publications in the different media platforms.
With this, the harvested tilapia produce was immediately transported to Mountain Province through the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Fish on Wheels. **RFORONDA
