Hundreds of fish farmers, researchers, investors, and students gathered in Pampanga for the first-ever Tilapia FIESTA 2025 — Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda — a landmark national event promoting innovation, sustainability, and unity in the aquaculture industry.
With the theme “From Pond to Plate: Celebrating a Sustainable Tilapia Industry,” the three-day event featured the latest research, best practices, and technologies in tilapia production.
Spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) and the Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC), the event gathered seven regional consortia from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao — the largest collaboration in the history of the FIESTA program.
CLSU President and CLAARRDEC Chair Dr. Evaristo A. Abella said the gathering strengthens partnerships toward a more competitive and inclusive aquaculture sector.
“This historic event creates a venue for collaboration among researchers, aquaculture practitioners, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders who share a common goal — to strengthen and sustain the country’s tilapia industry,” Abella said.
He emphasized that research must have heart — producing tangible benefits that sustain livelihoods and ensure food security.
DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director Dr. Melvin B. Carlos lauded the regional consortia for transforming science into real opportunities for local aquaculture communities.
“Tilapia is among our top food choices — affordable, accessible, and well-loved. It remains a priority commodity under DOST-PCAARRD’s Industry Strategic S&T Programs,” Carlos said.
PhilTilapia National President Florendo Juico Jr. commended the spirit of collaboration and government support, citing innovations such as floating nursery systems and saline-tolerant tilapia breeds that help farmers adapt to climate change.
“Tilapia FIESTA 2025 is not just about our ponds or harvests — it’s about people. It’s a celebration of every farmer, researcher, and leader who keeps this industry thriving, Juico added.
Meanwhile, DOST-PCAARRD Applied Communication Division Director Marita Carlos highlighted that this year’s Tilapia FIESTA is the 48th since 2011 and the first-ever dedicated to tilapia — marking the biggest consortium-led event to date.
“After more than two years of planning, we are finally here to celebrate the first Tilapia FIESTA — the largest cluster collaboration we’ve ever had,” Carlos said.
FIESTA serves as a DOST-PCAARRD technology promotion platform recognized by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), aimed at helping research and development (R&D) outputs reach communities and markets.
The event also featured cooking contests, technology pitching, and product showcases, highlighting the journey of tilapia “from pond to plate” — a symbol of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in Philippine aquaculture.
