Cordova, Cebu – In a concerted effort to boost fish production and sustain the income of local fisherfolk, the FISH Visayas Project, in partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, DA-BFAR Cebu Provincial Fishery Office, and LGU Cordova, has successfully established a fish pen for bangus production. The fish pen, measuring 30 x 20m x 1.5m is managed by the Kapunongan sa Mananagat sa Ibabao (KAMI).

On July 5, 2024, 78 members of KAMI participated in a Training on Bangus Culture in Fish Pen Management and Operations. During the training, participants gained valuable insights into the critical aspects of bangus culture such as the right canvassing of fingerlings, feeding management, and role over scheme of the organization’s income. To ensure proper division of tasking, KAMI properly identified the necessary tasks for preparing fishing nets and constructing fish pens according to the standards set by the DA-BFAR.

Following the training, successful net mending sessions were conducted from July 8 to 10, 2024, with 25 association members working together to mend the nets to the appropriate size. Concurrently, the installation of bamboo poles took place from June 8 to July 16, 2024, involving 15 members who provided labor support.

This preparatory phase not only demonstrated the collaborative efforts of KAMI members but also strengthened the organization’s capability to manage and develop the Bangus fish pen culture project. The project aims to increase bangus production per unit area with reduced production costs, ultimately yielding higher incomes for marginal fishermen and improving their standard of living.

The FISH Visayas Project expresses its heartfelt appreciation to its essential partners for their key role in the successful establishment of the Bangus Fish Pen initiative. This project would not have been possible without the unwavering support and technical expertise of the DA-BFAR Cebu Provincial Fishery Office, led by Mr. Joel Clapano, and Aquaculture Technicians Mr. Elnie Dublin and Mr. Rosalito Galambao.

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also played a significant role in this endeavor. Under the leadership of President Mr. Jay Yuvallos, Executive Director Ms. Joy Lorena Segismar, and OIC for Business Development Ms. Karen Joy Autor, their collaborative efforts have greatly contributed to the project’s success.

Furthermore, the support from LGU Cordova has been invaluable. Municipal Mayor Hon. Cesar Suan and Fishery Technician Ms. Mildred Uy have provided essential contributions, showcasing the power of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable development goals.

Moving forward, the monitoring of dispersed fingerlings will be a continued effort by all partners. Additionally, a training session on Deboned Bangus and Smoked Bangus Processing is scheduled for the first week of August 2024. This training aims to create value-added products from bangus, potentially placing a higher value in the market. Ultimately, these initiatives are set to make significant strides in enhancing the livelihoods of local fisherfolk through sustainable bangus aquaculture.

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The Training Bangus Culture in Fish Pen Management and Operations aspires to achieve Result Area 1: Training for Fishermen and MSMEs and Result Area 3: Market Access of the FISH Visayas Project.