Manila: A cooperative in Agusan del Norte has successfully earned P1 million from its recent bangus (milkfish) sales, reaping the fruits of its labor in Nasipit, nearby towns, and Butuan City. Following this profitable harvest, the cooperative is planning to reinvest its earnings into purchasing 20,000 bangus fingerlings, feeds, and 2,000 kitong (rabbitfish) fingerlings. Kitong is known for its suitability for co-production with bangus as it consumes bangus wastes, thereby reducing feeding concerns, and it fetches high prices in the market.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 13 stated that the project received funding under the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency Project through its Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investment (MARLIN) 2.1 component. The MARLIN 2.1 program is designed to promote enhanced aquaculture practices and climate-smart technologies, aiming to increase productivity while mitigating climate-related risks.
This initiative not only highlights the economic potential of sustainable aquaculture projects in the region but also underscores the importance of innovative strategies in the face of environmental challenges. The cooperative's success story serves as an inspiration for similar ventures, encouraging the adoption of integrated approaches in aquaculture to achieve financial sustainability and environmental resilience.
