BFAR, CHED forge partnership to promote aquasilviculture

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) have formalized the partnership in the nationwide promotion of the government’s program dubbed “Philippine Aquasilviculture” during the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) held at the CHED Auditorium in Quezon City.

The MOA was signed between the BFAR and CHED and simultaneously, between the BFAR Regional Directors and the presidents of their respective partner state colleges and universities (SUCs) in the regions.

Representatives from 61 SUCs recognized by the CHED as National University/College for Fisheries and Provincial Institute for Fisheries under the DA-CHED National Agriculture and Fisheries Education System (NAFES) program were present during the undertaking.

Aquasilviculture which involves the growing of fish and other aquatic organisms within a mangrove area without cutting down a single tree is seen by the BFAR as an environment-friendly approach to enhance fisheries production in the wild, while at the same time rehabilitate the mangrove habitat which currently represents less than a quarter of what used to be a 550,000-hectare mangrove cover in the 1950s.

 CHED chairperson Dr. Patricia Licuanan said that she was very happy about the partnership, specially since the project is expected to have a significant impact in improving the delivery of services of said SUCs by providing opportunities for capability-building for both its faculty and staff.

Licuanan also expressed her support to the advocacy of the BFAR to protect and restore the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources and the habitats associated with it.

“I believe that the SUCs are determined to help BFAR attain sustainability and resource conservation through the continued development and promotion of innovative interventions such as aquasilviculture.

BFAR Director Asis Perezsaid the project’s tis designed to generate job opportunities and livelihoods for the marginal fisherfolk and the fisheries graduates as well.

 Perez said the P237.5 million-project targets to achieve the following: a) plant 11 million mangrove trees for mangrove habitat rehabilitation; b) establish 62 units of multi-species hatchery; and c) develop 100 techno-demo aquasilvi-farms in coastal areas nationwide.

Perez also explained how the fisherfolk could gain from actively participating in the project. He said that for every P8 spent by the government for the rehabilitation of the mangrove habitat, the fishermen could earn as much as P6 divided as follows: P1.50 for each mangrove propagule; P2 for the actual planting and another P2.50 for every surviving mangrove propagule.

“For mangrove habitat rehabilitation alone, a fishermen who could plant 2,000 mangrove trees could earn as much as P12,000 a year,” he said.

The multi-species hatchery, on the other hand which will be established by the SUCs in suitable areas would serve like a “lying-in” center for gravid high-value species according to Perez.

“These community-based hatcheries will differ much from the expensive and sophisticated hatcheries we are accustomed of because our purpose really is for the fisherfolk to realize the importance of stock enhancement. A gravid crab, for instance carries with it millions of eggs which if allowed to hatch in the said hatchery will benefit the fishermen and the consumers as well,” Perez added.

Under the agreement, the BFAR through its regional offices will transfer funds to the partner SUCs to implement the said project.

A steering committee composed of the BFAR, CHED and LGU shall be organized at the national level to formulate the implementing guidelines. Also, a parallel organization at the regional level will also be created in addition to the Project Monitoring Office. 

The MOA signing was witnessed by CHED Commissioner Dr. William C.Medrano and BFAR Assistant Directors Gil A. Adora and Benjamin F.S. Tabios, Jr.. The BFAR regional directors present are Nestor Domenden (Reg.1); Jovita Ayson (Reg. 2); Remedios Ongtangco (Reg. 3); Esmeralda Manalang (Reg. 4A); Emmanuel Asis ((Reg. 4B); Dennis del Socorro (Reg. 5); Drucila Bayate-Ong (Reg. 6); Andres Bojos (Reg. 7); Juan Albaladejo (Reg. 8); Ahadula Sajili (Reg.9); Visa Dimerin (Reg. 10); Fatma Edris (Reg. 11); Sani Macabalang (Reg. 12); Nerio Casil (CARAGA); and Keise Usman (ARMM).