CEBU, Philippines — Incoming Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s food security initiative has allegedly received a major boost, with the private sector expressing strong support for aquaculture and crop production, according to former Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, who now serves as her food security adviser.
Under Baricuatro’s flagship “Pagkaon Alang sa Masa” (Food for the Masses) program, a promising aquaculture initiative is in the pipeline.
“In less than two days since I formally agreed to help Gov. Pam Baricuatro of Cebu as her food security adviser, pledges of support from different sectors of Philippine agriculture have been pouring in,” Piñol said in a post on social media.
Among the early backers is Inca Mariculture Company, a Filipino firm owned by Piñol’s friend Ralph Cabrera, which specializes in floating fish cages and tanks. The company has committed to partnering with the program to provide affordable access to key aquaculture infrastructure.
Their rent-to-own scheme, Piñol said, is expected to significantly reduce the initial investment needed for fish farmers, opening doors for those previously unable to afford high start-up costs.
“This innovative approach directly addresses a key barrier to entry for aspiring aquaculture entrepreneurs,” he said.
Beyond coastal aquaculture, Inca also offers fish tanks for inland farming, encouraging the cultivation of tilapia and catfish. This diversification strategy is seen as vital in building a more resilient and sustainable food production system.
“As soon as Gov. Baricuatro officially assumes the governorship, I will recommend the launching of an orientation and training program for prospective fish cage farmers,” Piñol added.
The training will equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure long-term success and sustainability of their aquaculture ventures.
In addition, Piñol said they are exploring the cultivation of sorghum, soybeans, and corn as foundational crops to support poultry, livestock, and fish farming industries in the province.
Senator-elect Ping Lacson, who chairs Southseas Agri-Aqua Ventures, Inc., has reportedly approved Piñol’s recommendation to introduce sorghum in Cebu.
Piñol also disclosed that another supporter, German Panghupan of Vetmate Farma Corp., is expected to help in promoting soybean propagation.
The food security program also aims to tap underutilized agricultural land, particularly former sugarcane plantations, to boost food production while generating jobs and income for local communities.