Gov’t milkfish project boosts 

livelihoods for Bohol fisherfolk

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)—The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Central Visayas (BFAR-7), through the Bohol Provincial Fishery Office, has launched the Bangus Floating Fish Cage Project to strengthen coastal communities and improve local food security.

With a total funding of ₱6,740,981, the initiative provides 26 floating fish cages to organized fisherfolk associations in select coastal municipalities.

The project also supplies input materials, feeds, and milkfish (bangus) fingerlings.

Members of the fisherfolk association in Getafe town prepare their fish nets. (BFAR-7 photo)

Fisherfolk in Tagbilaran City, Getafe, Bien Unido, Calape, Maribojoc, Ubay, Mabini, Candijay, Dauis, President Carlos P. Garcia, Trinidad, Tubigon, Cortes, Anda, and Panglao are among the beneficiaries.

Construction is underway in several of these areas, including Tubigon, Calape, Getafe, Mabini, Candijay, Bien Unido, Dauis, Panglao, Cortes, and Tagbilaran City.

The project aims to increase local milkfish production, strengthen the livelihood of organized fisherfolk associations, and promote sustainable income generation within coastal communities.

Through this effort, BFAR-7 has provided fisherfolk associations with essential tools and training to manage and operate floating fish cages, paving the way for sustainable, community-based aquaculture and improved local food security.

Floating fish cages allow for higher stocking densities and more efficient fishing, leading to increased yields compared to traditional methods.

BFAR-assisted projects in Bohol have generated significant income for fishers, including those involved in the culture of bangus and tilapia in floating cages. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol/with reports from BFAR-Bohol IO Analiza Casquejo)

Members of fisherfolk association in Getafe town are preparing their fish nets while fishermen Dauis town are setting-up their floating fish cages. (BFAR-7 photo)