BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA

After nearly two years of anticipation, the new bangus breeding and hatchery facility in Bolinao, Pangasinan, is finally operational, boosting both the province’s bangus supply and its local employment.

The facility, built in partnership between the Pangasinan provincial government and the World Bank, is part of an effort to address the shortage of bangus in the country.

More than 100 Pangasinenses have already found jobs through the project.

“The government’s help really means a lot to us fisherfolk. It helps increase our income for our families, especially for the kids who are studying. I’m deeply thankful to Governor Guico for paying attention to us here in Bolinao,” said Freddie Cacho, vice president of the Arnedo Fishermen Association.

In terms of supply, around 50% of Metro Manila’s bangus comes from Pangasinan.

Experts say the quality of bangus here is superior due to their natural diet, particularly “lablab,” a type of algae that grows in fishponds.

“The quality of bangus depends on the food available in the area. ‘Lablab’ is considered a first-class natural feed. In four barangays in Dagupan, it grows freely like a carpet in the ponds,” said Dr. Westly Rosario, chairman of the Professional Board for Fisheries.

The hatchery in Bolinao follows the successful model first implemented in Dagupan City.

It features structured tanks and concrete facilities to ensure a steady supply of bangus fry or fingerlings across the province.

“Thanks to Governor Guico’s administration, this much-awaited breeding and hatchery facility was approved. These fishponds will now be converted into a more structured facility to increase the production of bangus fry,” said Dr. Alvin Soriano, chief of the Provincial Agriculture Office’s Fishery Division.

With improved infrastructure and strong local support, Pangasinan is reinforcing its title as the country’s leading supplier of bangus, ensuring not just food supply but also livelihoods for its people.