BOLINAO, PANGASINAN — Construction of a new bangus (milkfish) hatchery officially began on Saturday, January 31, in the town of Bolinao, Pangasinan. The project aims to increase the supply of bangus fry and help strengthen food security in the country.
The hatchery is being built by the Province of Pangasinan in partnership with the national government and other agencies. Officials said the facility will support thousands of bangus growers by providing affordable and high-quality fry.
According to Pangasinan Governor Ramon “Mon Mon” Guico III, the project is a “win-win” for both producers and consumers. He said the hatchery will help lower production costs for fish growers while ensuring enough supply of bangus for the market.
“Win-win sa lahat, with this supply, iyong source, mas makakamura ang ating growers, at the same time, iyon ang susi sa food security.”
[“It’s a win-win for everyone. With this supply, the source will be cheaper for our growers, at the same time, that is the key to food security.”
One of those expected to benefit from the project is Darryl Cabutotan Capua, a bangus feeder who has been raising milkfish for six years and said he continues despite the hard work because he loves his job and has grown attached to the company he works for.
The Department of Agriculture also backed the project, saying the science-based facility will improve aquaculture output in Pangasinan and surrounding provinces, while Board Member Nicholi Jan Louie Sison, chair of the Committee on Agriculture, said the hatchery will help supply fisherfolk and meet the national demand for bangus.
At present, about 122 million bangus fry, or 19 percent of the country’s supply, already come from Pangasinan. The new hatchery is expected to further increase this number.
The project costs ₱238.9 million and is funded by the World Bank, the national government, and the provincial government of Pangasinan. Once operational, it is expected to produce up to 100 million bangus fry and 48 million bangus larvae.
~ Jose Robert Inventor
