The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR 12) held the turn-over ceremony and launching of the of the Multi-Species Hatchery to Mindanao State University-General Santos at the MSU College of Fisheries Laboratory and Research Station in Brgy. Seguil, Bawing, General Santos City, Philippines, on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

The MSU-GenSan College of Fisheries’ faculty and staff proposed the hatchery project to the BFAR National. This aims to provide additional learning facilities to the increasing number of fisheries students at MSU College of Fisheries while also promoting the sustainable development of aquaculture in the country and the region’s fisheries sector.

The facility intends to produce fingerlings of Sex Reverse Tilapia, Red Tilapia, Pompano, Bangus, Hito, Danggit, Lapu-Lapu, and Vannamei as an auxiliary source of quality fry and fingerlings in the region. With the construction of two (2) four-by-four, ten (10) rectangular, and eight (8) circular culture tanks and the increase in fish demand, the multi-species hatchery is expected to provide millions of species of fry.

BFAR 12 Regional Director, Usop D. Pendaliday Jr. shared his aspiration that the MSU-GenSan management would take the helm for the facility and guaranteed them the Bureau’s support in this undertaking. He also emphasized the significance of the hatcheries as the backbone of aquaculture and the need to maximize production through artificial breeding. Acting Chancellor, JD Usman D. Aragasi, MPA also commended the BFAR for its support and the previous leaders of the university for obtaining a strategic area for aquaculture.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Dir. Pendaliday and Chancellor Aragasi, together with some MSU-GenSan officials, the College of Fisheries faculty and staff, BFAR 12, and partners from the aquaculture industry.

The launching of this facility is a significant milestone that will contribute to the region’s and country’s food security and fish productivity.

-Scottie C. Jabon