TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Eastern Visayas (BFAR-8) has achieved its annual bangus fry production target in just the first half of 2025, marking a significant boost for the region’s aquaculture sector.
According to BFAR-8, a total of 3.8 million pieces of bangus (milkfish) fry were produced from January to June 2025 by the Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center (GMFDC) in Eastern Samar and the Laoang Multi-Species Hatchery (LMSH) in Northern Samar. This figure represents 131 percent of the agency’s annual target of 2.9 million fry, accomplished six months ahead of schedule.
The produced fry have been distributed to the Jiabong Aquaculture Production Technology Center (JAPTC) in Samar and the Regional Brackishwater Aquaculture Production Center (RBAPC) in Northern Samar, which will serve as nurseries until the fry reach the 75-day fingerling stage.
Once grown into quality fingerlings, the bangus will be turned over to fish cage beneficiaries under BFAR-8’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, the regular livelihood projects of the Provincial Fisheries Offices, and private sector operators through the Stock Now, Pay Later scheme.
“This accomplishment is a big step toward ensuring a stable supply of quality bangus fingerlings for our fish farmers in Eastern Visayas,” BFAR-8 said in a statement. “It will directly support local aquaculture, improve fish cage productivity, and strengthen the livelihoods of fisherfolk and fish cage operators in the region.”
BFAR-8 emphasized that the early attainment of the production target was made possible through the close collaboration between its technology stations, which have been working to scale up hatchery operations and improve breeding efficiency.
The agency expects the increased supply of fingerlings to help meet the growing demand from fish cage operators, reduce reliance on fry sourced outside the region, and expand the reach of its aquaculture development programs across Eastern Visayas.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
