Catfish Farming Emerges as Promising Industry in Alaminos City
Catfish (hito) production is gaining ground as an emerging livelihood and food sustainability initiative in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, supported by the local government and agriculture office.
Senior aquaculturist Milberth Ferrer said the city government, together with the office of Arthur Celeste, distributed around 400,000 catfish fingerlings last year to operators of small farm reservoirs across the city’s 20 upland barangays.
The initiative aims to maximize the use of farm reservoirs, which typically collect water during the rainy season and serve irrigation needs during the dry months. Instead of leaving these unused, residents are encouraged to utilize them for catfish culture.
“It is to make their small farm reservoirs more productive,” Ferrer explained, noting that many residents are now seeing catfish farming as a profitable venture.
Prior to the distribution of fingerlings, beneficiaries underwent orientation sessions on proper fish care and management to ensure better survival and growth rates.
Some operators have already harvested catfish as early as February, with market prices ranging from ₱110 to ₱140 per kilo. Catfish can be harvested within three to four months, although the fingerlings have an estimated mortality rate of around 15 percent.
Operators in various barangays were given the option to choose between tilapia and catfish, with many opting for catfish production due to its profitability and market demand.
To further promote the industry, the city introduced catfish as a key feature in local events, including replacing oyster grilling activities during the recent longganisa grilling event due to a red tide toxin advisory in nearby areas such as Anda and Bolinao.
A cookfest showcasing different catfish-based dishes was also held during the Crops and Fishery Day as part of the Hundred Islands Festival, highlighting the growing role of catfish in both livelihood and local cuisine.
NPO News Team - Philippine News Agency - PR
