Three government agencies—the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC)—signed a memorandum of agreement on August 20, 2024, at the Titanium Auditorium in Bicutan, Taguig City.
Under this agreement, the agencies will implement the “HATCH Project,” which stands for Heat-Assisted Temperature Control and Monitoring System for Hatchery Management of Milkfish. The project introduces a cost-effective, reliable heating system designed to maintain optimal water temperatures in broodstock tanks during cold months.
HATCH Project Leader Glen Espena explained that the project will involve a Recirculating Aquaculture System equipped with a heat pump, an electric heater, and automation systems for water quality monitoring. This R&D intervention aims to create a conducive breeding environment for milkfish broodstock by ensuring optimal water quality in tank-based facilities.
“Our domestic supply of milkfish fry is still insufficient, which forces us to rely on imports. We need to achieve year-round fry production to address these supply gaps,” said DA Undersecretary for Fisheries and NFRDI Governing Board Chair Drusila Esther Bayate during the signing ceremony. She added that the HATCH Project presents an opportunity to enhance the technical and economic performance of hatchery operations, ultimately leading to fry sufficiency and increased fish production.
NFRDI Executive Director Lilian Garcia expressed her commitment to the initiative, emphasizing its potential to transform the industry. “The HATCH Project is a significant step toward mechanizing and automating our hatchery systems in the country. Applying science, technology, and innovation in aquaculture will catalyze growth and industrialization in the coming years,” she said.
Other officials who gave their message of support were DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Robert Dizon and BFAR 4B Regional Director Emmanuel Asis, representing National Director Isidro Velayo Jr.
With a budget of P5 million from the PCAARRD Grants-In-Aid, the HATCH project will be implemented at the BFAR-National Fisheries Development Center (NFDC) in Dagupan City over 18 months, concluding on June 30, 2025. The project is expected to benefit the aquaculture industry in the Philippines, as well as consumers of milkfish and industries related to metals, engineering, and aquaculture. ### (Rita dela Cruz)