The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Central Luzon distributed around 40,000 tilapia fingerlings to the indigenous people (IP) community in San Marcelino, Zambales.

BFAR Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz said on Thursday the distribution of fingerlings was made following the conduct of a day-long training on tilapia culture and management to the IPs in Barangay San Rafael, San Marcelino town on Wednesday.

Cruz said the recipients of the tilapia fingerlings were 17 IPs who already operate a local government-registered fishpond.

A total of 45 IPs took part in the training that aims to enhance knowledge and skills in culturing tilapia.

The BFAR official cited the importance of promoting new strategies and modern technology to help boost the harvest of the IPs and increase their income.

After the training, he said the IP beneficiaries are expected to increase yields of tilapia from their respective ponds, as well as properly administer stock to feeding ratios for efficient grow-out.

“We are not only providing our fisherfolk with livelihood support but we are also empowering them to ensure food security in the region,” he said in social media post.

Technology Outreach Station for Freshwater Species (TOSFW) Officer-in-Charge Antonio Taduan gave lectures on tilapia culture and production, freshwater fish species culture and production, fish nutrition, and fish health management.

The trained participants will eventually become BFAR’s partners to boost aquaculture production in the region. (PNA)