In celebration of its fifth founding anniversary, the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), in partnership with the Villar SIPAG Foundation (VSF), conducted a training dubbed “Fishkwela: Freshwater Ornamental Fish Breeding and Production” on February 21, 2024 at VSF School in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.

Thirty-three participants, comprising farm owners and workers, academic personnel, members of fisherfolk organizations, and representatives from the local government units (LGUs), were capacitated on the most appropriate methods of handling aquarium fish species. They hailed from Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, and Caloocan.

The training aimed to promote ornamental fish technology as a viable livelihood, especially for smallscale fisherfolk. Highlights of the activity included lectures and practical exercises on setting up breeding facilities for livebearers, fighting fish, and angelfish.

Serving as resource speakers were Senior Science Research Specialist Frederick Muyot and Science Research Specialist Janet Baral of the NFRDI-Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (FFRDC). Muyot presented an overview of the ornamental fish industry, including breeding and culture of fish egg layers, while Baral discussed breeding and culture of fish livebearers, along with sharing tips on handling fish diseases and cultivating natural food. Assisting them in facilitating the hands-on activities were Science Research Specialist Raffy Clemente and Science Research Assistant Nereen Gacu, also from FFRDC.

“I am hopeful na marami kayong matutunan sa training na ito,” said NFRDI Executive Director Dr. Lilian Garcia in a recorded message. “You will be empowered in attaining the goal of utilizing the available fisheries technologies for improved livelihood in fisherfolk communities as well as elevate the country as one of the top producing countries worldwide specifically on ornamental fish,” she added.

Also in a recorded message, Senator Cynthia Villar reiterated the potential of freshwater ornamental fish as a viable business. “Malaki ang potential natin na makapag-export ng ornamental fish sa ibang bansa bagama’t hindi pa ito masyadong nae-explore. Ang ganitong training ay kailangan natin upang pataasin ang kalidad ng isda sa captive breeding,” she said.

Eduardo Lanuza, adviser of the Kaybanban Farmers Club, shared his experience from attending the training. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa training na ito at marami akong natutunan. Nais kong malaman kung saan ako makakakuha ng isda para sa makapagsimula na ako sa aking negosyo”.

“Hindi ako mahilig sa kahit anong isda, pero nagustuhan ko sa training ay kung paano malalaman ang babae at lalaki na isda,” said Francine Joy Erederos, a student working under immersion at VSF.

“Zero knowledge ako sa mga isda, at naiinggit ako dahil ang mga kilala kong nag aalaga ng isda ay alam lahat ng isda. Pero dahil sa bago kong learnings, may mashe-share na ako sa constituents ng San Jose Del Monte,” concluded City Agriculturist of San Jose Del Monte Flora San Felipe.

Coordinated by the NFRDI-Training Division, FishKwela is a training program that caters to the training requests of the external clients. ### (Norvida Gatdula and Lea Mae dela Cruz)