Shirley Dalagan, a fish farmer from Bilar, Bohol, and an incubatee of the Aquabiz School-Technology Business Incubation (ABS-TBI) project on giant freshwater prawn (ulang) and tilapia polyculture, harvested 50.75 kilos of ulang and 938.25 kilos of tilapia, completing her second cycle of production.
Cultured in two ponds with a total area of 1,400 square meters (sqm), the two species were grown for four months using the package of technology (POT) for giant freshwater prawn (ulang) and tilapia polyculture.
The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 7.29 for ulang and 0.87 for tilapia, with survival rates of 41.23 and 46.91 percent, respectively. The average body weight of the harvested species was 19.4 grams for ulang and 398 grams for tilapia.
“As a project beneficiary, Dalagan received agricultural inputs, including feeds, fertilizer, and lime. Additionally, through our collaboration with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Fisheries Development Center (BFAR-NFDC) in Dagupan and BFAR-Clarin in Bohol, she was provided with ulang post-larvae and tilapia fingerlings,” said Dr. Casiano Choresca, Scientist I and project leader.
To equip her with the needed knowledge on polyculture production, Dalagan participated in various lectures and hands-on training organized by the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) and BFAR to further develop her expertise in the technology.
When asked on the impact of the project, Dalagan said it made a great impact on her life. As a former OFW with zero knowledge on fish farming, she mentioned that she was glad to be part of the project. “Malaki ang impact sa akin ng project na ito kase wala akong experience sa aquaculture pero nung na-involve ako project na ito, throughout sa pag-aalaga marami akong natutunan, kase hands-on din ako,” she said.
“Yung seminar at training na na-provide ng NFRDI sa akin, yung natutunan ko, shine-share ko sa mga customer na pumupunta dito sa farm,” Dalagan added.
She encouraged others to go into aquaculture because of the immediate return of income. “Maganda ang fish farming, mabilis ang return of income kase within 3-4 months pwede mo nang i-harvest ang tilapia, depende sa pag-aalalaga. Huwag kang mag-give up. Kase makikilala ka lalo na kung bagong technologies ang i-aaply mo,” she said.
At Bilar Market, Dalagan is the sole vendor of live tilapia. She sells her produce every Sunday, not only to earn a livelihood but also to showcase both her harvest and the technology behind it.
The ABS-TBI is a program of DA-NFRDI designed to promote mature aquaculture technologies and enhance the livelihood and income of fisherfolk. It aims to equip beneficiaries with technical skills and expand their networks, ultimately empowering them to become successful aquapreneurs.
NFRDI Philippines
