Milkfish cage culture training in Guimaras

The Season-long training course on milkfish cage culture, which is implemented in four barangays in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras continues to make significant progress. The training course is part of a collaborative pilot project on Mariculture livelihood program for Guimaras fisherfolks between AQD, Petron Foundation Inc, and Citi Philippines.

Dr. Mae Catacutan (rightmost) demonstrates aquafeed formulation during the practical sessionBrgy. San Antonio advances to Module 2. Thirty fisherfolk from Brgy. San Antonio advanced to Module 2. The training, which was held last August 13-14  at Roma Beach Resort, covered topics on stock sampling, feed and feeding practices, and cage maintenance.

AQD scientists Dr. Mae Catacutan and Dr. Relicardo Coloso were the resource persons for aquafeed preparation and feed & feeding practices respectively.

IMS staff Mr. Alex Babol on the other hand was the resource person for stock sampling and cage maintenance.

Igang, Magamay and Sto. Domingo move on to Module 3. Meanwhile, a total of 92 participants from the barangays of Igang, Magamay and Sto. Domingo advanced to Module 3.

The training took place at the Nueva Valencia Municipal Gymnasium from September 24 to 25.

During the practical session, Dr. Amar (rightmost) shows the participants how to prepare and send fish samples to the laboratory for disease analysisThe trainees learned about aquaculture business planning and sustainable management from Mr. Renato Agbayani, Head of AQD’s Training and Information Division. Scientist Dr. Edgar Amar then lectured on fish disease management, followed by a practical session on how to prepare and send fish samples to the laboratory for disease analysis. 

On the second day, Igang Marine Station Head Mr. Albert Gaitan talked about cage culture design. He also discussed the factors to consider in cage setup, and the advantages and limitations of rearing fish in cages.

Financial analysis in aquaculture was tackled by Senior Technical Assistant Ms. Dianne  Hope Tormon. The trainees learned concepts such as return-on-investment and break-even production and how to analyze these to determine the profitability of the project.

Researcher Ms. Didi Baticados discussed the development and management of cooperatives for sustainable aquaculture. She stressed that the success of the organization depends on the cooperation among the members.

A survey on business organizations and arrangements for managing a fish cage culture project was conducted by Ms. Tormon after the lectures.

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