CALAMBA CITY (PIA) – A group of fish farmers in Batangas has adopted the maliputo cage culture technology developed by the DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), with the aim of improving their livelihood through fisheries.

The DA-NFRDI, through the Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (FFRDC), serves as a central breeding facility for freshwater ornamental fish and a prime research center for maliputo, a delectable and most popular indigenous migratory fish in Taal Lake, Batangas, and other non-traditional species. 

From about 7,500 maliputo fingerlings distributed a year ago to 15 fisherfolks from the Samahan ng Magmamaliputo ng Lemery, they have partially harvested more than 900 kilos of cage-cultured indigenous fish.

The maliputo fingerlings recorded an 83 percent survival rate and have an average body weight of 357 grams, according to the data gathered by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) of Batangas during a harvest conducted in March 2024 with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) IV-A, and the municipal government of Lemery.

Dr. Rodrigo M. Bautista Jr., Batangas provincial agriculturist, assured that the government will keep on strengthening the fisheries sector in the province as part of the Health, Education, Livelihood, and Protection of Life, Environment, and Properties (HELP) Program of the provincial government.

"We, in our office, are pleased with the initial success of this project. You can expect that we will further strengthen the agriculture sector in the province of Batangas, especially the fisheries sector. Assistance for our fisherfolk will not stop here, and will further continue for the progress of each individual through collaborative efforts with other agencies," he said.

Bautista added that they will continue to integrate their plans and programs for strong and sustainable partnerships among LGUs, national government agencies, the private sector, and fisherfolks to ensure food security and provide additional livelihood to Batangueños.

Brynne Mamauag, a fisherfolk and one of the program beneficiaries, was grateful for the opportunity. 

"We, in our organization, are grateful for the projects you have provided us, which have been helpful for us. Rest assured, we will continue to sustain and expand this project," he said.

DA-NFRDI said they will continue supporting the maliputo cage culture and further expanding the projects to more cages and ponds.

"We at the NFRDI are delighted because the technology on the ‘grow-out culture’ of maliputo has advanced further. We initiated the study on maliputo breeding, and our goal is to further increase its population to supply cages and ponds. Since this can provide a good livelihood for our fisherfolk, NFRDI is here to serve as a venue for training and other livelihood projects," Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia of the DA-NFRDI said.

Training activities and technical assistance from the DA-NFRDI are also set to be organized for fisherfolk, agri-technicians, LGUs, and other stakeholders on aquaculture technology and management of fishery resources. (CH/PIA-4A; with reports from DA-NFRDI)