The Davao City Agriculturist Office (Cagro) has established aqua parks in Paquibato and Marilog districts to ensure food security and promote agri-tourism.
Cagro Fisheries Management Resource Division head Aimee Evora, during the Madayaw Davao program of 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) aired on Wednesday, June 21, said the Aqua Park Project is a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Cagro, Peace 911, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
Evora said the Aqua Park Project on Lake Paraiso, Barangay Tapak in Paquibato District was already turned over to the beneficiaries.
“Gibutangan sya og fish cage pud, gibuhian ug tilapia. Nagprovide ta’g technical assistance aron mas mudako ilang production, gitagaan sila og fish cage diha sa Lake Paraiso. Mapakaon nila og tarong, naa gyud production after four months (A fish cage was build there tilapia [fingerlings] were released. We provided technical assistance to increase their production, they were given a fish cage in Lake Lanao. If they can feed the fishes properly, there is production after four months),” she said.
Residents in the area used to fish at the lake, but they only had low production. With new fish cages on Lake Paraiso, Evora said residents can now have a sustainable source of food and livelihood.
Two IP groups in Paquibato District are benefitting from the project. Barangay Tapak, according to Evora, also developed the road to promote the park where tourists can fish and grill their catch.
Meanwhile, a similar tilapia fish pen was established on Lake Lanao in Barangay Magsaysay in Marilog District.
An IP association in the area also availed of the project.
Evora added that they are promoting agri-tourism in Paquibato and Marilog districts.
The Fisheries Management Resource Division formulates and implements Cagro’s fisheries program. It authorizes the issuance of fishery permits and provides fishery extension services, fishery technical services – technical training, aquaculture training, and fisheries post-harvest training. It oversees the fish cages in Punta Dumalag and organizes fisherfolk organizations, among others. CIO
