In celebration of the 77th Year of UP Presence in Iloilo, with the theme “In Solidarity with the Community,” the Institute of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), through the Brackishwater Aquaculture Center (BAC) trained fish farmers and extension officers on milkfish technologies.
Conducted on November 27, 2024 at BAC in Nabitasan, Leganes, Iloilo, the training was participated in by 15 participants from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region VI, Iloilo Provincial Agriculture Office, local government unit of Leganes, fish farmers from Ajuy, Iloilo as well as representatives from SANTEH Feeds Corp., an aquaculture feeds manufacturer.
Titled “Improved Strategies for Milkfish Nursery, Packing, and Transport: Embracing New Technologies for Success,” the undertaking is part of the Institute’s public service activity, Aquaculture Summer Institute (AQUASI), an annual training program that offers short and practical courses on various aspects of fisheries and aquaculture.
Recognized as the National Center for Brackishwater Aquaculture Research since 1975, BAC continues to fulfill its mandate in extension services providing an avenue for the conduct of various academic, research, and extension activities on different aquaculture species.
IA director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel N. Ferriols, warmly welcomed the attendees and officially opened the training.
The program consisted of two sessions: lectures in the morning and hands-on practical activities in the afternoon.
Asst. Prof. Fredson H. Huervana, BAC Station Head, shared valuable insights through his lecture on “Innovative Milkfish Nursery Techniques: Intensive Production in Earthen Ponds and High-Density Polyculture with Vannamei Shrimp in Lined Ponds.” It was followed by Ms. Rosy L. Janeo, who discussed “Packing and Transport of Milkfish Fingerlings/Haterin.”
During the afternoon session, participants engaged in practical training. Divided into groups, they learned essential skills in packing and transporting milkfish fingerlings. The hands-on activities were designed to ensure they could effectively implement these techniques in their respective fields.
The one-day training concluded successfully, with participants expressing their appreciation and enthusiasm for future training opportunities. The event underscored the significance of empowering technical staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective support to fisheries stakeholders, reinforcing BAC’s enduring commitment to community engagement and capacity building.
“The training was very helpful especially to us technical staff who are extending technical assistance to our fisheries clients in the region,” stated one participant.