JICA pushes use of submersible fish cages in Samar

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is pushing for the use of submersible fish cages in coastal communities in Eastern Visayas.

“This is an innovation by Japanese experts, developed in Japan,” Eigo Azukizawa, JICA Philippines senior representative told reporters in a briefing at the Hotel Lorenza Monday night.“If we submerge it during a storm and we bring it up again afterwards, then we can preserve that fish cage.”

JICA has donated 20 submersible fish cages to fisherfolk in Basey, Samar and Guiuan, Eastern Samar as part of their quick impact projects for survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Azukizawa said JICA also conducted training on how to operate the submersible fish cages.

JICA also donated 25 oyster racks and marine bio-toxin equipment to support the local aquaculture industry in Leyte, and meat grinding and other machines to restart the food processing livelihood of women in Tolosa, Leyte.

Azukizawa and several other JICA officials and technical experts are in Tacloban City to check on their various recovery and rehabilitation projects for Yolanda survivors.