To support fisherfolks and increase production and revitalization of the aquaculture sector, the Mountain Province Provincial Fishery Office (PFO) distributed fingerlings to an estimated 200 fisherfolks across 10 municipalities of Mountain Province on June 19, 2024.
According to Olive Jet Garcia, PFO aquaculturist, the distribution of fingerlings, also called fingerlings dispersal, is an activity aligned with the Fisheries Extension Program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
During the scheduled fingerling dispersal, a total of 100,000 pieces of catfish fingerlings were given to the identified beneficiaries. The recipients are chosen through a prioritization and selection process by the office.
“Beneficiaries of the program are selected based on requests by fisherfolks to their respective Local Government Units (LGUs). Additionally, we have requests from communities identified for the End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s (ELCAC) Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), and they are one of our priorities,” Garcia stated.
Responsible Aquaculture
Furthermore, Garcia reiterated that beneficiaries undergo validation of their areas prior to the distribution of fingerlings. The PFO validates the suitability of fisherfolks’ aquaculture areas. This ensures optimal stocking density and prevents overstocking, which can harm fingerling survival.
“Fisherfolks receive a certain number of fingerlings according to their areas. For tilapia, it is five pieces per square meter, while for catfish, it is 10-15 pieces per square meter. We also consider the depth of their areas and the water quality they are using,” she added.
In addition, the PFO can distribute 500 pieces of fingerlings per individual, as long as their areas meet the requirements. The number of fingerlings will decrease for those with smaller areas as they have carriage capacities. Distribution is also based on the availability of fingerlings and funds allotted for the extension program.
Moreover, Garcia shared that one of their main objectives in distributing fingerlings to fisherfolk beneficiaries is to increase production and alleviate poverty, as it can be used for both household consumption and income generation through sales.
Monitoring and support
The PFO continues to monitor the progress of the program by visiting the stocks of fisherfolks in their areas. Also, they are providing assistance and intervention to beneficiaries, especially those who will be affected by disasters such as typhoons that may damage aquaculture areas or fish ponds.
Similarly, the PFO encourages beneficiaries to make use of the assistance to generate income for sustainability, such as selling their production and saving a portion of their profits for future fisheries activities. This strengthens the program’s objective and that fisherfolks should not merely rely on government intervention.