CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — The first-ever Aqua Feedmill Plant has been officially inaugurated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) MIMAROPA in Bulalacao town.
The ₱35-million worth facility is designed to provide high quality aqua feeds for fish pond operators, mariculture farmers and aquafarmers across the region.
Located in Bulalacao, the plant is poised to be a game-changer for thousands of fisherfolk in MIMAROPA region.
The facility, expected to produce 250 to 300 kilograms of feed per hour, is designed to lower production costs while maintaining high nutritional value in feeds for tilapia, bangus and other aquatic species.
In an interview by PIA, BFAR MIMAROPA Regional Director Roberto R. Abrera said that the idea for the feedmill emerged from the requests of local fish pond and cage operators who have struggled with the high cost of aquaculture feeds.
“Sa aquaculture, halos konti lang ‘yung mga feedmill na para sa aquaculture. Karamihan ay livestock, kung ano-anong mga feeds pero sa aquaculture halos wala. So ngayon, yung doon sa claim ng mga private sector na may mga fish pond and cages na ang production cost nila [ay] umaabot ng more than 50 percent to 60 percent so masyadong mahal na sa kanila yun. So, they asked the government na makapag-develop ng feedmill na bumaba naman ‘yung presyo pero high quality ‘yung feed. So, hindi naman sila nag-utos but rather they asked the government to develop a feedmill, and here we are,” he explained.
The Aqua Feedmill Plant will utilize cutting-edge technology and machinery, making it easier and more efficient for aquafarmers to access affordable, quality feeds.
Lea Arceo Dagot, the plant’s focal person, highlighted that the feeds produced will contain raw materials like camote, cassava and corn, which are rich in nutrients essential for sustainable fish farming.
“Mas mapapadali ang pag-produce ng mga feeds para sa mga isda like tilapia at bangus. Ang feeds na mapo-produce po dito ay tiyak na high quality at mataas ang nutritional value dahil sa mga raw materials mula sa kamote, cassava, mais at marami pang iba,” said Dagot.
She added that this is a major leap forward for the aquaculture industry in MIMAROPA.
“The plant not only increases efficiency but also ensures that our feeds meet the highest standards of nutrition, benefiting both the aquaculture community and local economies,” Dagot said.
BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig cited the strategic importance of the plant’s location in Bulalacao town in Oriental Mindoro, noting that its proximity to neighboring provinces like Occidental Mindoro, Romblon and Iloilo makes it an ideal site for the facility. Furthermore, the region is rich in potential agricultural land for cultivating raw materials that will be used in the feed production process.
“Bulalacao is at the heart of the region, and this plant will not only serve the locals but also cater to surrounding provinces. It’s a key development for the entire region’s fisheries,” said Salilig.
According to Bulalacao mayor Ernilo C. Villas, the plant is also expected to provide employment opportunities, especially for indigenous Mangyan people, many of whom have been vulnerable to insurgency and recruitment by terrorist groups.
“Bulalacao used to be the hotbed of insurgency so I am thankful to national government agencies especially BFAR na nagbigay ng kabuhayan sa ating mga kababayan dito especially ang mga katutubong Mangyan,” said Villas.
Andres Paranyo, a local fish operator, also expressed his gratitude for the facility because he will no longer be travelling to find quality feeds.
“Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa BFAR Mimaropa po [dahil] sa aming bayan ng Bulalacao po nagkaroon ng ganitong building kung saan po hindi na po kami mahihirapan pang humanap ng mga pagkain o mga pangangailangan sa pangingisda pa sa malayong bayan po,” Paranyo said.
With the inauguration of the Aqua Feedmill Plant, MIMAROPA is expecting to experience a significant boost in its fisheries sector, ensuring food security, promoting sustainable livelihoods and contributing to the region’s overall economic development.
The BFAR MIMAROPA is also looking forward to open an Aqua Feedmill Plant to other parts of the region. The next inauguration of the same plant will be in regions 1 and 6. (AS/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)
