The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources opened its 1st Satellite Community Based Larval Rearing Facility (SCBLRF) in Aurora located at Barangay Mijares, Dipaculao town.
The agency allotted P3.5 million for the project under its Bangus Fry Sufficiency Program.
BFAR Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz said the SCBLRF intends to improve bangus (milkfish) fry production in the province.
“This larval rearing facility is not only an investment in infrastructure but also in the future of our community in the fishing sector,” he pressed.
With an estimated 1.5 million fry per year based on a 30 percent survival rate, each tank at the plant has the capacity to generate between 70,000 and 980,000 pieces of bangus seeds per production cycle.
“This will have a major impact in boosting production in the province. By increasing fry production, we ensure continued income for our fisherfolk and the general economic development of Dipaculao,” Cruz furthered.
Meanwhile, BFAR awarded to the town’s fisherfolk received seven pairs of bottom set longlines, 10 gillnet units, 15 tuna hand lines, one shallow payao, one fiberglass reinforced plastic boat, and 60 milkfish fry collectors (sagap nets).
Under the Bangus Fry Sufficiency Program, which will run until 2025, BFAR plans to establish about 299 SCBLRFs across the country.
This is to boost national bangus production, of which the BFAR reports that Central Luzon provinces account for around 23 percent or 85,000 metric tons. (PIA Region 3-Aurora | Michael A. Taroma)
