Manila: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Eastern Visayas, in collaboration with the city government of Ormoc, is set to launch the PHP12-million Ormoc Mariculture Park in December 2025. Eight fisherfolk associations, comprising over 400 members, are anticipated to benefit from the initiative, which includes four units of circular high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages and four units of HDPE modular fish cages, along with fingerlings and feeds for one cropping cycle.

According to Philippines News Agency, the project aims to boost the production of milkfish, also known as bangus, and other high-value fish species. It seeks to empower fisherfolk communities through sustainable mariculture practices. BFAR Eastern Visayas regional director Dominador Maputol stated that the initial beneficiaries are set to commence operations next month, coinciding with the formal launch of the mariculture park in Barangay San Juan. The first harvest is projected for the second semester of 2026, and it is expected to contribute an estimated 38 metric tons to the region’s annual milkfish production.

Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez has pledged to provide 20 units of 5×5 bamboo cages as counterpart support, which will extend the project’s benefits to individual fisherfolk households. BFAR has also proposed the future establishment of a local feed mill managed by the city government. This development could enhance Ormoc’s aquaculture industry and offer more livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.

The launch event will feature the Ormoc Mariculture Forum, which will bring together service providers, input suppliers, post-harvest processors, and cage fabricators involved in aquaculture technologies and materials.