To equip participants, mostly hatchery operators, with knowledge and skills needed to efficiently produce tilapia in a controlled environment, maximizing yield while minimizing water use and environmental impact, a training on modified intensive tilapia hatchery in a recirculating system was organized on August 29, 2024 in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.

The training was conducted as part of a collaborative project titled, “Automation System for Intensive Fry Production of 𝘖𝘳𝘦𝘰𝘤𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 – Phase 2,” implemented by the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Freshwater Technology Center (BFAR-NFTC), and Central Luzon State University (CLSU). It is funded by the DA – Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR).

Dr. Lilibeth Afan of BFAR-NFTC introduced the participants while Dr. Ma. Jodecel Danting, BFAR-NFTC Chief, discussed the overview and status of the project. She highlighted the improved hatchery production facility (tank system) at BFAR-NFTC into an automated recirculating hatchery. The project aligns with the Department of Agriculture’s infrastructure investments, digital agriculture, and climate change adaptation and mitigation measures aimed at reducing poverty and achieving food security.

Serving as resource speakers were Eric Morales, Dr. Marvin Cinense, Jermaine Germino, and Dr. Milagros Apaga. They covered topics on filtration systems for recirculating aquaculture systems for tilapia breeding in concrete tanks, solar energy’s role in green and sustainable production, automation systems for water quality monitoring and integration of Internet of Things (IoT), and operation of the modified intensive tilapia hatchery in recirculating system.

Participants were from BFAR Regional Technology Outreach Station (TOS), BFAR-NFTC, hatchery operators (Central Luzon Accredited Tilapia Hatchery Operators), BFAR 3 Provincial Fisheries Office, NFRDI-Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center, private investors, and academe (CLSU-Freshwater Aquaculture Center, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University).

The training provided participants valuable opportunities for capacity building, information sharing, and networking among BFAR technical staff, hatchery operators, private investors, and academic institutions. This collaboration aims to ensure a sustainable and reliable supply of fry and fingerlings. ### (Cathleen dela Cruz)