Through a project implemented by the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), 480 kilograms of oyster (Magallana spp.) was partially harvested on February 8, 2023 in Bolinao, Pangasinan.

The project, “Strengthening Oyster Aquaculture in Anda, Bani, Bolinao, Alaminos City, and Sual (ABBAS) Municipalities of Pangasinan through the Bamboo Raft Technology,” aimed to boost local oyster production and provide additional livelihood to fisherfolk.

Funded by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), the ABBAS project introduced the bamboo raft technology that is considered environment-friendly compared to traditional stake method of oyster culture. The technology uses floaters, bamboo, and straps to produce oysters.

The technology was developed and verified in Japan and in the Philippines, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Fisheries Development Center (BFAR-NFDC). It benefits oyster growers by reducing mortality rate, enabling faster growth, and inducing better quality meat.

The successful implementation of the project and harvest activity were made possible through the efforts of NFRDI Executive Director Dr. Lilian Garcia, Project Leader Dr. Joseph Christopher C. Rayos of the NFRDI-Aquaculture Research and Development Division, and Co-project Leader Dr. Dennis Tanay of BFAR-NFDC.

Present during the harvest were DA-BAR Assistant Director Dr. Anthony Obligado, DA-BAR Research Coordination Division Head Julia Lapitan, BFAR-Regional Field Office 1 Regional Director Rosario Segundina Gaerlan. Also present were representatives from the local government unit of Bolinao, fisherfolk associations, and other NFRDI staff. ### (Niko Macaraeg)