LUNA, Apayao – Two upland municipalities here received solar-powered floating venturi aeration system from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Cordillera.
BFAR-Cordillera led by Director Lilibeth Signey turned over solar-powered venturi aeration system to the fisherfolks and officials of Barangay Buluan in Conner and Barangay Santa Filomena in Calanasan.
Signey said the enhanced aquaculture project aims to double the income of the fisherfolk beneficiaries with a higher yield of production by doubling the standard stocking density of the fishpond – from five to 10 pieces of tilapia per square meter.
Project Leader Marx Perfecto Garcia said the improved version has a vigorous water circulation despite the low wattage of the water pump.
“With the use of this technology, we expect to have high survival rate of the fish stocks because of the aeration and circulation system. Since one of the primary parameters of water quality for the fish stocks to have optimum growth performance (regardless of the feeds) is the dissolved oxygen in the fishpond. Thus, it is best to maintain more than five parts per million of dissolved oxygen,” Garcia said.
He said the technology is best operated at night time to sustain the provision or enhance dissolved oxygen in the water, then switch on the battery and the solar panel to store energy preferably at 8 a.m.
Conner Mayor Martina Dangoy expressed gratitude to the BFAR for the support they are giving to the farmers and fisherfolks in the far-flung areas despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are very thankful for the intervention given for our fisher folk in Conner. Indeed, the government does not choose where these projects are implemented. Even in the most remote and high-elevated terrain of the Cordillera, BFAR reaches the fisherfolk through the assistance. I encourage others to venture in fish farming so we will not buy from nearby towns since I know that we can supply fish for our community,” Dangoy said.
Flora and Luna also received the venturi aeration system last year and BFAR-Cordillera is hoping to distribute more to the remaining towns of Apayao. – Redjie M. Cawis
April 23, 2024
