A village-level tilapia hatchery worth P1 million will soon rise in Barangay Cawayan, Asipulo, Ifugao to enhance local fish production and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for fisherfolk, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) announced on Monday.
BFAR through its Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 approved the project in recognition of the Cawayan Fisherfolk Association’s (CFA) efforts to improve its local fishing industry.
“We are optimistic that the hatchery to be established here in our barangay will significantly benefit our fisherfolk by providing them with a stable supply of fingerlings and an additional source of income,” said CFA member Merlyn Abella.
The hatchery will complement CFA’s existing pond-based fingerling production. It will include rearing ponds and holding tanks to support the fry-to-fingerling growth process, ensuring immediate functionality once completed.
The project will help the association supply quality tilapia fingerlings within the community, reducing reliance on external sources and improving local income generation.
CFA currently operates under an income-sharing scheme, where 50% of individual tilapia sales from its 46 beneficiaries contribute to the group’s funds. This system ensures continuous capital build-up, supporting long-term sustainability beyond initial funding.
Following site validation and discussions with the local government, plans for the hatchery’s structure and components will be drafted. Construction is expected to begin after finalizing the plans, with procurement of materials set for March. The project is slated for completion by June 2025 or earlier.
To ensure proper hatchery management, CFA members will undergo training as part of the livelihood package. Future expansion is also being considered, depending on the project’s success in production and marketing.