New feedmill facility seen to strengthen aquaculture in Western Visayas
ILOILO CITY – A newly inaugurated feedmill facility inside the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department complex in Tigbauan, Iloilo is expected to enhance aquaculture productivity across Western Visayas.
The project traces its roots to a 2003 agreement between the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources under the Department of Agriculture and SEAFDEC/AQD, and was officially launched on Monday.
According to BFAR Western Visayas Regional Director Remia Aparri, the facility can produce at least five metric tons of aquafeeds daily, with a maximum capacity of up to eight metric tons. It is designed to develop affordable, high-quality feeds for key species such as bangus (milkfish).
Aparri noted that the facility is expected to directly benefit around 6,240 fisherfolk each year—nearly half of the region’s aquaculture workers—highlighting its significant role in boosting fish production and livelihoods.
Beyond feed production, the facility will also function as a center for innovation, training, and technology transfer. It aims to support a broad range of stakeholders, from small-scale backyard fish farmers to large commercial operators, including those in nearby regions.
SEAFDEC/AQD chief Dan Baliao emphasized that the feedmill represents a step toward bridging research and real-world application, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to advancing sustainable aquaculture.
Meanwhile, BFAR Assistant Director Zaldy Perez underscored that the initiative addresses one of the sector’s biggest challenges—the high and fluctuating cost of feeds, which can account for up to 70 percent of production expenses.
He added that the project complements existing supply systems and helps stabilize feed availability, especially during periods of high prices or limited supply, ultimately supporting food security and improving incomes among fisherfolk.
Overall, the initiative aligns with national efforts to increase fisheries productivity, ensure stable food supply, and promote sustainable growth in the aquaculture sector.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
