The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 8 has made significant strides in supporting aquaculture efforts in Southern Leyte by successfully transporting 150 bangus breeders with a 100% survival rate to its Provincial Sea Cage-Based Development Project site in Brgy. Looc, Tomas Oppus.
The breeders, comprising 75 from the Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center (GMFDC) in Eastern Samar and another 75 from the Laoang Multi-Species Hatchery (LMSH) in Northern Samar, were transported in two batches.
The initial transport occurred in December 2024, and the final batch was completed by April 2025. This initiative was led by OIC Regional Director Dominador G. Maputol, in close collaboration with the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte and its Provincial Agricultural Services Office.
During the 12-hour transportation process from Eastern Samar and Northern Samar to Southern Leyte, several effective practices were implemented. Notably, natural and low-cost transportation methods were used, which can be easily adopted by local fisherfolk.
No chemical sedatives were needed, ensuring that the broodstock experienced minimal stress and eased the burden on technical staff. The successful transportation was due to meticulous planning and care, including proper preparation before transport, reducing physical stress on the breeders, and maintaining optimal oxygen levels and water quality throughout the journey. These strategies contributed to the remarkable 100% survival rate of the broodstock.
Around 200 fisherfolk associations and fish cage operators in Southern Leyte are anticipated to benefit from the estimated 115 million fry and 46 million fingerlings produced each year from these breeders.
BFAR 8 projects an investment of approximately Php 2.2 million to Php 4.5 million for the broodstock development of these breeders, which have been raised at GMFDC and LMSH for 5 to 7 years.
The agency is optimistic that this collaboration with Southern Leyte will greatly enhance fisheries production and support small- to medium-scale aquapreneurs in the province.
Additionally, the bureau invites interest from other provinces in Eastern Visayas that might want to replicate this initiative, thereby providing easier access to fingerlings for numerous fish cage operators and fisherfolk associations throughout the region.
Interested provincial offices are encouraged to reach out to the Regional Fisheries Production and Support Services Division for potential collaborative efforts aimed at boosting local bangus production, ensuring a consistent supply of quality fingerlings, and improving the livelihoods of fisherfolk in their regions.
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