MANILA, Philippines - In the recently concluded National Conference and Workshop on the Biology and Culture of Siganids at the Mindanao State University in Naawan, Misamis Oriental, the promising commercial potential of siganid or rabbit fish was among the major topics of discussion among various groups from the private and public sector.
Among the participants was Santeh Feeds Corp., the premier fish feed provider in the Philippines, who was a major sponsor together with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Philippine Council for Aquatic & Marine Research and Development (PCAMARD). Researchers, hatchery and grow-out operators and feeds producers were in attendance as well.
The conference brought to light how promising and viable it was for siganid to thrive in the local market because the herbivore nature of siganid makes it more environmentally friendly than carnivorous species (such as panggasius). Moreover, the marine habitat of siganid is deemed ideal for Philippine aquaculture thanks to the abundance of marine coastline areas. In fact, the popularity of danggit (from Cebu), Malaga (in Pangasinan and Ilocos), kitang or samaral (in Mindanao), baliwis (in Quezon) are all different names for rabbitfish or siganid. The prevalence of these local names shows a general popular demand of this fish by the market in all regions.
On top of the event, Santeh supports on-going research, breeding and genetic improvement of Siganid. “We truly see the potential of siganid,” said Santeh Feeds president Philip Ong, “The commercialization of mono culture of this fish needs further technological refinement. Through the sponsorship of this national conference, we are glad to contribute to the acceleration of the research and development of the breeding, nutrition and farming of siganid.”
The workshop also brought up the need to develop a road map on siganid production, which includes formulating policies and recommendations for the establishment of a long-term program with multi-sectoral commitments from the government, private sector, academe and research institutions in the adoption of environment-friendly technologies.