The MMSU College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) launched last January 8 a Biodiversity Park Pond as one of the components of the MMSU's Coordinated Agribusiness, Research, and Extension Strategies (CARES) program.

CARES is a newly-established program of the University that involves technology promotions, utilization, and transfer of modern farm technologies to farmers and various stakeholders for increased productivity.

The launching was started with the stocking of 1,000 GET-EXCEL tilapia fingerlings provided by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG).

GET-EXCEL, which stands for Genetically Enhanced Tilapia - Excellent Strain is a product of genetic enhancement and cross-breeding undertaken by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). 

This new breed has the edge compared to other species because of its excellent performance, being larger, tastier and quicker to grow. It is 38.12 grams heavier for every 100 grams than the traditional species, thus, expecting an increased fish production and gross revenue for tilapia raisers.

At present, there is nationwide dissemination of GET-EXCEL tilapia in the Philippines by the Department of Agriculture because this improved species is the second most important food fish for mass domestic consumption next to milkfish. 

Mr. Arthur Valente, head of the province's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) office, said GET-EXCEL tilapia reaches its marketable size in less than three months after stocking.

"When we received the request of MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, the PGIN has immediately set aside the 1,000 fingerlings as initial stocks to cover the  first 1,000-square meter water impounding pond (SWIP) of MMSU as part of the initial pilot area this year.," Valente said, adding that the pond can accommodate 2,000 tilapia fingerlings, which can serve as ready stocks for future mass production and research.

"The PGIN is always ready to support the development programs of MMSU," Valente said, assuring that the PGIN is also supporting the plan of Dr. Agrupis to establish a nipa plantation around the WIPs to support the university's National Bio-Energy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC).

Delighted by the launching of the Biodiversity Park Pond, Dr. Agrupis lauded the on-going rehabilitation of all the seven WIPs in MMSU, which was spearheaded by the CAS Biological Circle Organization.

"I congratulate the CAS Department of Biological Sciences for this development project that was launched as one of the highlights of the celebration of the university's 42nd foundation anniversary that started on Monday (January 6)," she said, adding that the  ceremonial stocking of the fish is not just a simple activity but serves as the proverbial  "stocking" of a more intense partnership between MMSU and the PGIN, particularly the DA.

"We've been in this kind partnership for a long time now, and this launching of the Biodiversity Park Pond is a part of a long term vision of converting these ponds into functional projects," Dr. Agrupis said.