STA. MARCELA, Apayao – Three modules of steel frame fish cage livelihood projects were turned over to 130 fisherfolk to enhance the capacities of the Bacut Lake while creating livelihood opportunities for the beneficiaries.
The actual turnover of the projects inclusive of aquaculture inputs such as feeds and fingerlings was undertaken after the said projects were awarded to the recipients during a ceremony conducted in light of Department of Agriculture Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s visit to Benguet recently.
Each of the fish cage livelihood projects amounts to P716,256 composed of a complete set of steel frame cages, including its one cropping requirement of 147 bags of feeds and 21,600 pieces tilapia fingerlings.
Fisheries Production and Support Services Division Chief Marx Perfecto C. Garcia said each module with four units of cage is projected to contribute about 2.5 metric tons in aquaculture production after five months of culture period.
Chief Aquaculturist Lois June B. Fermin added the initiative is also part of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ mitigating measures against the effects of the El Niño, which is forecasted to last until May.
Apart from the launching ceremony, stocking of 10,000 pieces Nile tilapia and 40,000 pieces common carp fingerlings in the communal bodies of water of Bacut, Takang, and Anninipan Small Water Impounding Project was also conducted.
Flora Mayor Rodolfo Juan, Sr. and representatives from the local government of Sta. Marcela, provincial government, barangay officials, fisherfolk groups, and other stakeholders also joined the turnover ceremony. – R. F. de Vera
