The Brackishwater Aquaculture Center of the Institute of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS-IA-BAC), UP Visayas marked its 47th year foundation anniversary last January 2025.
The BAC is one of the research facilities of CFOS under IA that serves as venue for the conduct of various researches on different aquaculture species of faculty, REPS, undergraduate and graduate students.
The BAC, located in Brgy. Nabitasan, Leganes, Iloilo, is currently under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Fredson Huervana as the station head.
The research station opened its doors to fisheries alumni and learners from Bungso-an Elementary School in Brgy. Nabitasan, Leganes, Iloilo.
On January 12, Batch 1989 UPV Fisheries (Iloilo) alumni from all across the country, as well as balikbayans, gathered for a day of togetherness to reminisce wonderful and significant college experiences.
On January 29, 2025, BAC collaborated with the UP Ichthyophilic Society (UPIS), a CFOS college-based socio-academic group, to host an exhibit and field trip for learners of Bungso-an Elementary School.
This undertaking was part of the program, “Adopt-a-School, Adopt-a-Community.”
Twenty-five (25) pupils and two teachers went on a field trip to the Leganes Integrated Katunggan Ecopark to learn about the value of mangroves in coastal ecosystems, as well as toured the BAC facility, looked at exhibits, and watched video presentation highlighting the role of BAC in fisheries and aquaculture.
The UPIS organized a group quiz bee and interactive activities with fun giveaways for the learners to enjoy while gaining valuable insights about fisheries, aquaculture, and environmental conservation.
The BAC, formerly known as the Brackishwater Fish Culture Research Center, was established as a new research unit of the College of Fisheries at Leganes, Iloilo on January 1, 1978. It has played a critical role in brackishwater aquaculture research, training, and extension activities. Its programs are vital to enhancing the productivity of the aquaculture industry, addressing food security concerns, and supporting economic development. Moreover, BAC is instrumental in technology dissemination to the private sector, fisherfolk, students, researchers, and government institutions through its community outreach, training programs, technical assistance, and collaborative partnerships with other institutions.
The BAC sits on a 15-hectare area equips with the following facilities: 21 units of 500 sq m ponds, six units of 10,000 sq m ponds, multipurpose hatchery building, laboratories, classrooms, offices, canteen, dormitory, power generation buildings, service-workshop, and equipment for aquaculture.
For nearly five decades, BAC has been at the forefront of scientific innovation, student training, and community engagement. Moving forward, it is poised to become a hub for smart aquaculture technologies and advancing research and technological innovations that drive the sustainable transformation of fisheries and aquaculture industries. (With sources from Asst. Prof. Fredson Huervana and CFOS-IA-BAC Facebook page)
