BFAR-National Mariculture Center

27/09/2026

𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥-𝗡𝗠𝗖 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝟲𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁

PANABO CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources–National Mariculture Center (BFAR-NMC) marked the 63rd Fish Conservation Week on September 14–18, 2026 through a series of activities promoting aquatic resource conservation, sustainable aquaculture, and community participation.

Held in conjunction with the 2026 Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo), pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 316, s. 2017, and guided by the theme “Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-samang Nating Alagaan,” the celebration featured activities that brought conservation and aquaculture closer to communities.

Among the highlights was a Coastal Clean-up Drive, where BFAR-NMC and its partners worked together to remove waste along the coastal area of Brgy. Cagangohan and Brgy. San Pedro, Panabo City. This was followed by a Mangrove Planting Activity at the BFAR-NMC brackishwater pond site, highlighting the importance of enhancing and protecting aquatic production areas.

The celebration also featured the distribution of red tilapia fingerlings and a technology demonstration on Tilapia Lamayo in the Municipality of Braulio E. Dujali. Additionally, an Orientation on Marine Fish Cage Management and Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) was conducted at the BFAR-NMC Convention Hall in Panabo City. These activities provided participants and stakeholders with opportunities to gain practical knowledge and strengthen their understanding of sustainable aquaculture practices.

Adding to the celebration, BFAR-NMC personnel participated in OlymFish, a recreational and team-building activity that promoted camaraderie, teamwork, and friendly competition among employees.

The successful conduct of the celebration was made possible through the support and cooperation of the LGU-City Agriculture and Resource Management Office (CAGRO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Cagangohan Women’s Association (CWA), City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC)-Panabo, United Fisherfolk Association Council (UFAC), and San Pedro Fisherfolk Association.

Through these activities, BFAR-NMC and its partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting aquatic resources and promoting sustainable fisheries through collaboration, responsible aquaculture, and active community participation.

𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗮 𝗸𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻, 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗮-𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗮 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗮𝗻.

12/09/2026

📌 TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS |

Hands-on Training on Milkfish Hatchery Management and Milkfish Fingerling Production (4th Batch) | August 25–28, 2026

BFAR–National Mariculture Center successfully conducted a four-day hands-on training for fisheries technicians from the PLGU and LGUs of Surigao del Norte, together with BFAR technical staff. The training focused on strengthening participants’ knowledge and practical skills in milkfish hatchery and fingerling production, covering hatchery management, fry handling, natural food production, fingerling stocking, harvesting, sampling, transport, and proper handling practices. Through lectures, site demonstrations, and actual field activities, participants gained practical experience in applying recommended techniques for efficient and sustainable milkfish fingerling production.

The training also provided participants with hands-on exposure to actual hauling, loading, unloading, and transfer of milkfish fingerlings, as well as grow-out feeding management in marine fish cages at the Malalag Mariculture Park. Discussions on return on investment and profitability further highlighted the potential of milkfish fingerling production as a viable enterprise. The activity concluded with the awarding of Certificates of Completion, with participants encouraged to apply the knowledge and skills gained in their respective areas and contribute to improved and sustainable aquaculture operations.

09/09/2026

05/09/2026

📌 TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS |

PROJECT FISHERISE | Practical Application of Best Practices in Mariculture Post-Harvest Handling, Processing and Value-Adding for PDLs (1st Batch) | August 18–20, 2026

Skills that create opportunities, knowledge that opens doors, and second chances that build stronger communities. The BFAR-National Mariculture Center (BFAR-NMC), in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and Barangay Salvacion, Panabo City, successfully conducted the three-day Project FISHERISE training for fifty (50) participants composed of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) and BJMP personnel. Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities, participants gained practical knowledge in post-harvest handling, food safety, and fish processing, including bangus deboning, tilapia filleting, bangus embotido and lumpia, tilapia nuggets and fish balls, as well as fishery product marketing. Beyond technical skills, the training sought to equip PDLs with practical livelihood competencies that they can carry with them as they prepare for release and reintegration into their communities.

For BFAR-NMC, serving the public means creating opportunities where knowledge can become a means for transformation and a pathway toward a better future. Project FISHERISE reflects the Bureau’s commitment to supporting food production, livelihood development, and sustainable fisheries while extending meaningful assistance to communities, including PDLs preparing to rebuild their lives beyond the walls of correctional facilities. As these newly acquired skills become tools for livelihood and self-reliance, may every lesson learned become a step toward a fresh start.

Let us continue turning fisheries knowledge into opportunities, strengthening livelihoods, and building inclusive communities where every individual has the chance to contribute, thrive, and begin again.

04/09/2026

Shellfish Bulletin No. 21
Series of 2026
04 September 2026

Shellfish collected and tested from Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Tantanang Bay in Zamboanga Sibugay Province; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Honda Bay and Puerto Princesa Bay, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan; and South Bais Bay are 𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 for Paralytic-Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit.

All types of shellfish and 𝑨𝒄𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒑. or alamang gathered from these areas are 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄 for human consumption.

Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

04/09/2026

📌 TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS |
Looking back at the Hands-on Technical Training on Milkfish and High-Value Finfish Grow-out Production in Marine Fish Cages (2nd Batch) | August 4-7, 2026

The BFAR-National Mariculture Center (BFAR-NMC) successfully conducted the four-day in-house training, bringing together 29 participants composed of LGU technicians, municipal agriculture officers, local officials, fisherfolk, and academe representatives from Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, Isabela City, BARMM, and Zamboanga City. The training aimed to strengthen participants’ technical knowledge and practical skills in the sustainable operation and management of mariculture projects, particularly in milkfish and grouper grow-out production.

Throughout the four-day program, participants gained valuable insights through lectures, field exposure, workshops, and hands-on activities covering mariculture park management, hatchery operations, fish cage construction and installation, proper fingerling handling and stocking, feeding and fish health monitoring, grouper grow-out culture, harvesting and post-harvest handling, and fish processing and value-adding. Practical exercises on stocking, feeding, sampling, net changing and mending, harvesting, and fish handling further strengthened technology transfer and participants’ operational skills. The activity culminated in the preparation of action plans and the awarding of Certificates of Completion, reinforcing BFAR-NMC’s commitment to building the capacity of fisheries stakeholders and strengthening partnerships toward productive and sustainable mariculture development.

03/09/2026

📌 TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS |
Looking Back at the Training on Best Practices and Innovative Technologies in Milkfish Hatchery Operation and Management and Hands-on Technical Skill Training on Milkfish Fingerling Production and Handling Techniques in Brackishwater Ponds (3rd Batch) | July 7-10, 2026

Strengthening skills, sharing knowledge, and building a more sustainable mariculture industry were at the heart of the four-day in-house training, which brought together participants from the PLGU of Davao de Oro, LGUs of Pantukan, Banaybanay, and Lupon, as well as private fishpond operators and caretakers from Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental. Through lectures, field exercises, and hands-on activities, participants gained practical knowledge in hatchery operations, fry and fingerling handling, stocking, harvesting, transportation, record-keeping, and profitability analysis, equipping them with valuable skills they can apply in their respective areas.

From identifying good-quality eggs and harvesting fry to counting, stocking, and transporting fingerlings, the participants had the opportunity to put learning into practice. The training culminated in an action-planning workshop and discussions on strengthening technical support and market linkages for small-scale fish farmers and garungan operators. Through initiatives like this, BFAR-NMC continues to support fisheries technicians, fishpond operators, and private stakeholders in promoting viable, sustainable, and profitable milkfish fingerling production—contributing to stronger mariculture communities and a more productive fisheries industry.

01/09/2026

📌 TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS |
Looking Back at the Training on Best Practices and Innovative Technologies in Milkfish Hatchery Operation and Management and Hands-on Technical Skill Training on Milkfish Fingerling Production and Handling Techniques in Brackishwater Ponds (2nd Batch) | June 23–26, 2026

🐟 The four-day capacity-building activity brought together participants from local and provincial government units, private fishpond operators, caretakers, and fisherfolk associations in Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur. Through a combination of technical lectures and hands-on activities, participants enhanced their knowledge and practical skills in milkfish hatchery management, fry harvesting, natural food production, fingerling handling, stocking, transport, and production management.

The training also featured discussions on the profitability and economic potential of milkfish fingerling production, culminating in an action planning workshop where participants developed strategies for implementing their learnings. By strengthening technical competencies and fostering collaboration among government partners, private stakeholders, and BFAR-NMC, the activity continues to support the production of quality milkfish fingerlings and promote sustainable mariculture development in the region.

29/08/2026

𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐃𝐀𝐆 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑-𝐍𝐌𝐂 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 ✨🐟

𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗕𝗢 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬, 𝗗𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗢 𝗗𝗘𝗟 𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘 — August 26-28, 2026.

Bringing fisheries and aquaculture closer to the community, the BFAR-National Mariculture Center participated in LAMDAG 2026: Government Information Exhibit, an initiative of the City Government of Panabo that provides the public with greater access to government programs, services, technologies, and opportunities.

The exhibit served as a venue for government agencies to connect directly with the community and share information that can contribute to more informed decisions, improved livelihoods, and stronger communities.

For the BFAR-National Mariculture Center, the activity provided an opportunity to showcase its work in advancing mariculture and aquaculture through science-based technologies, responsible production practices, and knowledge-sharing. Information and materials presented during the exhibit highlighted the Center’s efforts in the breeding, culture, production, and distribution of high-value mariculture species, as well as its continuing support for communities engaged in fisheries and aquaculture.

As we continue bringing science, technology, and public service closer to the community, the BFAR-National Mariculture Center remains committed to delivering meaningful and responsive fisheries and aquaculture services toward a future where:

“Serbisyong tapat, isda’y sapat, mangingisda’y angat.” 💙🐟