Watch: More Tilapia Fingerlings raised in Aklan

KALIBO, Aklan- Unknown to many, the Aklan provincial government is increasing its production of tilapia fingerlings to boost food security in the province.

Outgoing Provincial Board Member Emmanuel Soviet Russia Dela Cruz, chair on committee on agriculture  said that for the first time, the province has produced around 50, 000 Tilapia fry. The fry has been raised at the Aklan Agi-Aqua Training Center at Barangay Nalook, Kalibo.

“Prior to the new hatch, the center only produced around 5,000- 10,000 Tilapia fry a week. The hatch was gathered on March 2,” Dela Cruz said. The province started its operation of Tilapia Hatchery in October 2021. Prior to this, the staff has been trained in nearby Mindoro province.

Dela Cruz said that the fry has around 70 percent survival rate. The fry were being delivered to fish tank producers in the province and later sold to the market.

“These new developments gave our province hopes in the success of Tilapia hatchery program initiated by Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores. We hope that we could be able soon to deliver supplies in Boracay Island soon,” he added.

The Tilapia hatchery program was supported by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Department of Agriculture.