Steel frame viable for tilapia farming

A DEMO site in Santa Marcela, Apayao, has shown the viability of using steel frames for cultivating tilapia.

The Marcela Weavers Association (MWA) celebrated on June 10 its harvest field day from the P2.1-million-steel-framed fish cages the group currently operates.

Perlyn Villa, MWA president, said that it was in January when they started operating the steel-framed tilapia-growing cages that was provided to them by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region (BFAR-CAR) office.

After five months, the beneficiaries were able to harvest about 781 kilograms of tilapia at five pieces per kilo from a single cage compartment. Their current operation has four cages.

«Our produce projected a 115 percent yield surpassing the targeted yield of 680 kilos,» Villa said.

BFAR-CAR Director Lilibeth Signey congratulated the beneficiaries and said that the project «aims to enhance production and provide substantial livelihood opportunities for the fisherfolk community.»

«This successful first harvest marks a promising start for the fish cage livelihood project, signaling a brighter future for the fishing community in Santa Marcela town in Apayao,» BFAR-CAR said.

Maricita Agpuldo, MWA secretary, said that the project «provided a valuable source of income.»

Agpuldo said a kilo of their tilapia harvest was sold between P130 and P150.