The College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology (MMSU-CASAT) conducted a training on Tilapia Grow-out and Management in Cages and Post-Harvest Technologies, under the project “Sustainable Seaweed and Tilapia Aquaculture in Ilocos Norte (SuSTAIN): A Livelihood Project for Fisherfolk along Coastal Communities” to assist fisherfolk in Brgy. Baruyen, Bangui, Ilocos Norte, October 1–2.

The training aimed to enhance the technical knowledge and practical skills of fisherfolk beneficiaries in sustainable aquaculture practices, particularly in tilapia cage culture and post-harvest processing, to ensure better yields, quality, and income generation.

Hon. Denton Lawrence Garvida, Municipal Mayor of Bangui, welcomed the participants and expressed his gratitude to MMSU-CASAT for bringing livelihood and learning opportunities that promote sustainable fisheries development in their municipality.

Dr. Marlowe Aquino, MMSU Director for Extension, emphasized the university’s unfaltering efforts in aiding fisherfolk through research-based aquaculture innovations that enhance productivity and resilience in coastal communities.

The two-day training featured lectures and hands-on sessions on tilapia cage culture, feeds and feeding management, water quality monitoring, recordkeeping, and post-harvest technologies such as tilanggit (dried tilapia) and tilapia fillet preparation. Participants also engaged in hands-on activities on fish cage and frame construction, allowing them to gain practical experience in cage fabrication and setup, vital for efficient and sustainable aquaculture operations.

Mr. Farrel Regates, President of Baruyen Fish Cage Association, said the training was a valuable experience that deepened participants’ understanding of modern aquaculture practices and provided practical knowledge that could be immediately applied in their livelihoods.

Meanwhile, on October 17, the SuSTAIN Project team, led by Prof. Ernesto S. del Rosario, Jr., conducted a meeting and presentation with the project to the Local Government Unit of Bangui to introduce the project’s objectives and reinforce partnerships for its implementation. The activity also included a field visit and monitoring of potential fish farming sites in Brgy. San Lorenzo and Nagbalagan, Bangui, to assess site suitability and water conditions for future aquaculture development.

The SuSTAIN Project demonstrates MMSU-CASAT’s ongoing commitment to advancing community-based aquaculture and promoting inclusive, sustainable fisheries development in Ilocos Norte’s coastal areas.

MMSU-CASAT