The BFAR CAR staff visited and validated the site for the hatchery.**
A one million worth village-level fish hatchery is set to establish to improve local fish production and offer sustainable livelihood opportunities in Barangay Cawayan, Asipulo, Ifugao. This comes after the BFAR National Program Management Support Office (NPMSO) approved the proposed project of the Cawayan Fisherfolk Association (CFA) because of their outstanding performance and proactive efforts as a group beneficiary of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2.
“We are optimistic that the hatchery to be established here in our barangay will significantly benefit our fisherfolk by providing them with a stable supply of fingerlings and an additional source of income,” Merlyn Abella, CFA member, said in an interview.
The hatchery project is also anticipated to enable the fisherfolk group to continuously supply quality fingerlings within their community, reduce reliance on external sources and improve income generation for its members and other fisherfolk.
To ensure viability of the proposed hatchery project, SAAD Program Coordinator Dr. Michelle Peralta, together with Ifugao Provincial Fishery Officer Eumic Culimay and engineering staff Ruben Galleon, carried out a site validation to determine the feasibility and suitability of the proposed land area owned by the association. Key factors considered include water availability, accessibility, and environmental sustainability. The members of the CFA were also convened to present the initial plans of the said establishment of hatchery.
The Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Asipulo, through Hon. Mayor Archie Lee A. Quindo, was likewise consulted after the site validation to discuss with them the overall objective of the project and to seek LGU support for its successful execution.
“We welcome this project as a good opportunity for our fisherfolk to become more self-sufficient. The LGU stands ready to support this initiative in any way we can”, Mayor Quindo conveyed his appreciation for the project.
After this site validation and dialogue with the LGU, the bureau will proceed to drafting the structural plans of the hatchery including its complete components. Once finalized, the project will now undergo the initial phase of implementation such as infrastructure development, procurement, and construction.**
