The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), through the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) and the Institute of Aquaculture (IA), partnered with the Iloilo Provincial Government in conducting the Training on Milkfish Grow-out Technologies, Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP), and Handling and Stocking from June 29 to July 1, 2026 at Ina Farmers Learning Site & Agri-Farm Inc., Agcuyawan Calsada, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.
The three-day training aimed to strengthen the technical knowledge and practical skills of milkfish farmers, fisheries technicians, and extension workers in support of sustainable and productive milkfish aquaculture in the province.
Organized by the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) – Fisheries Division, the training formed part of the Provincial Government’s Milkfish Industry Development Program and its continuing efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Iloilo’s milkfish industry through capacity development and the promotion of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP). Recognizing UPV’s expertise in aquaculture education, research, and extension, the Provincial Government invited faculty members and Research, Extension, and Professional Services (REPS) personnel from the Institute of Aquaculture to serve as resource persons for the training.
The training brought together 25 participants representing the municipalities of Carles, Zarraga, Banate, Dumangas, Barotac Nuevo, Estancia, Concepcion, and Anilao, along with personnel from the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRO) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region VI (BFAR VI). The diverse group provided an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences, discuss common challenges in milkfish farming, and learn from one another’s best practices.
The first day of the program featured a situationer on the milkfish industry in Iloilo presented by Mr. Jake E. Martirez of BFAR Region VI, followed by lectures on Milkfish Health Management by Dr. Carmelo del Castillo and Handling, Transport, Acclimatization, and Stocking of Milkfish Fingerlings by Ms. Rosy Janeo. These sessions emphasized proper fish health management and appropriate fingerling handling techniques to improve survival, minimize stress, and enhance production performance.
On the second day, Asst. Prof. Fredson H. Huervana discussed grow-out technologies for milkfish, covering pond preparation and water quality management. Participants also took part in an interactive workshop on stock monitoring, feeding management, and the calculation of farm inputs, allowing them to apply lecture concepts to practical farm scenarios. The workshop encouraged active participation, problem-solving, and knowledge sharing among farmers and fisheries practitioners.
The training concluded with a field visit to Guelos’ Fish Farm in Dumangas, Iloilo on the third day, where participants observed the application of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) in an operational milkfish farm. The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss actual farm operations, production challenges, and practical management strategies adopted by the farm.
Throughout the three-day activity, participants actively engaged in discussions on pond management, water quality, feeding strategies, disease prevention, and other production concerns. The training also fostered stronger collaboration among local government units, national agencies, the academe, and the aquaculture sector in advancing sustainable milkfish production in Iloilo. More importantly, it served as a valuable venue for fish farmers and fisheries extension workers to raise their concerns, share field experiences, and seek practical recommendations from aquaculture experts.
Among the participants was Ms. Mila Silvela, Fisheries Extension Officer of the Municipality of Zarraga, who described the training as “very informative and motivational.” She shared that the knowledge and skills she gained from the activity would help her better assist and advise fish farmers in her municipality. Her feedback reflects the program’s success in empowering fisheries extension personnel with practical knowledge and skills that can be effectively transferred to local communities.
In her message, Ms. Felina Grace Basco, Head of the Provincial Agriculture Office–Fisheries Division, emphasized that the training is one of the many collaborative initiatives of the Iloilo Provincial Government, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the University of the Philippines to strengthen the milkfish industry and promote sustainable fisheries development. She underscored that through science-based innovation and strong institutional partnerships, these collaborative efforts remain committed to improving the livelihoods of fisherfolk and restoring Iloilo’s position as a leading producer of high-quality milkfish.
The activity reflects UP Visayas’ continuing commitment to its extension and public service mandate by translating research into practical technologies that address the needs of the aquaculture industry. Through partnerships with government agencies and local stakeholders, the University continues to build the capacities of fish farmers and fisheries technicians, enhance aquaculture productivity, and promote the sustainable development of the Philippine milkfish industry.
Written by CFOS-IA with reports from Iloilo PAO-Fisheries Division
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