Surigao City Government and BFAR Launch Aquaculture Project to Boost Fish Production

Strengthening Aquaculture Through Partnership

On Monday, May 19, 2025, Surigao Vice Mayor Alfonso Casurra and BFAR-13 Director Omnia Olama formalized their collaboration by signing an agreement for the Aquaculture and Mariculture Expansion Project (AMEIP). The project seeks to empower fisherfolk by providing essential resources, including fish cages, fingerlings, and feeds.

Under the initiative, the Baybay Lobster Culturist Association will receive:

• Two 10-meter fish cages (with nets and mooring systems)

• 40,000 milkfish fingerlings

• 1,528 feed bags

A Boost for Sustainable Livelihoods

The project is expected to increase local fish supply by 30%, reducing reliance on wild fish stocks while creating stable income sources for fisher families.

Merry Flor Lipio, president of the Baybay Lobster Culturist Association, expressed optimism about the initiative:
"This support will significantly boost our production and help sustain our livelihoods without depleting natural marine resources."

Wider Community Impact

BFAR-13 estimates that the project will benefit over 200 fisher households in Barangay Baybay and nearby coastal areas. City officials emphasized that the program aligns with broader goals of food security, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.

With this partnership, Surigao City takes a significant step toward modernizing its aquaculture sector while ensuring long-term benefits for its fishing communities.

(Photo courtesy of Surigao City PIO)

For updates on this project and other local initiatives, follow Surigao City's official channels.

Source: Philippine News Agency (PNA)
Published: May 20, 2025