Capitol invests P22M in modern fish cages

CEBU, Philippines — A P22-million investment in modern fish cages is expected to help Cebu produce more of its own food, with the provincial government looking to aquaculture as a long-term solution for both food security and fisherfolk livelihoods.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the turnover of 30 high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages to beneficiaries from 10 municipalities during a ceremony held on Friday, July 3, at the Daanlungsod Gym in Oslob.

The project, implemented through the Provincial Agriculture Office, is part of the provincial government's broader effort to increase local fish production while creating more sustainable sources of income for fishing communities.

Speaking during the turnover, Baricuatro said the province must reduce its dependence on food supplies coming from outside Cebu, noting that reliance on other provinces exposes consumers to higher prices whenever transport and fuel costs increase.

"We need to generate more of our own food here in Cebu so we will not have to depend heavily on other provinces," the governor said.

She said improving local food production has become one of the priorities of her administration, with aquaculture seen as one of the sectors capable of contributing to both food availability and economic opportunities for fisherfolk.

Aside from the fish cages, the provincial government also distributed fish aggregating devices, or payao, as well as fish feed and fertilizers to the participating associations.

The beneficiaries likewise received 10-kilogram sacks of rice provided through the Office of the President.

According to Provincial Fishery Officer Joel Clapano of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Central Visayas, the HDPE fish cages are designed to last up to 50 years with proper maintenance, making them significantly more durable than conventional fish cages.

Clapano said the structures are built to withstand stronger waves and currents, allowing fisherfolk to protect their investments while ensuring more stable fish production.

Following the turnover, Baricuatro joined provincial and local officials in releasing bangus fingerlings into one of the newly installed fish cages in Barangay Daanlungsod.

Joining the activity were Provincial Board Members Dr. Stanley Caminero and Raymond Calderon, Oslob Mayor Ronald Guaren, and other local government officials.

Baricuatro also underscored the importance of cooperation between the provincial and national governments in delivering programs to communities, regardless of political affiliation.

"Serbisyohan gud ta mo sa akong makaya. Kay ang among pagka-government official, para nako is about service gyud. Serbisyo gyud na ug di paghatag sa importansya sa kaugalingon," she said.

Several beneficiaries said it was the first time their organizations had received fish cages from the provincial government.

Rolando Castillo, a 70-year-old fisherfolk leader from Oslob, thanked the provincial government for the assistance and expressed hope that similar livelihood initiatives would continue.

"Hinaot unta nga matuman ug mapun-an pa iyang mga plano nga buligan sa kahitas-an," Castillo said.

For fisherfolk from Badian, the project is expected to provide an alternative source of livelihood, particularly during periods when rough seas prevent small fishing boats from venturing offshore.

"Makapamasol ug makapondo ra gyud mi ana didto kay naa man gyuy mohabig ana nga isda tungod sa pagkaon unya di nami kinahanglan mopalayo kaayo," said beneficiary Aida Zapanta.

Another beneficiary, Tomas Serenillo, said the assistance marked the first time their group had received such support for their livelihood.

"Maayo kaayo ug nagpasalamat ko ni Gobernador Pam Baricuatro nga ang iyang gihatag alang gyud sa panginabuhi-an namon mga kabos," Serenillo said.

Fisherfolk associations from Oslob, Badian, Ronda, Argao, Boljoon, Dalaguete, Dumanjug, Alcantara, Alcoy, and Alegria received the HDPE fish cages, fisheries inputs, and other assistance under the provincial government's aquaculture program. — (FREEMAN)