Incubatees from Pacita, Lala, Lanao del Norte, harvested 2,156 kilograms of milkfish in August 2024 following the successful completion of the second cycle of the Technology Business Incubation (TBI) program of the DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI).

The cycle was a part of NFRDI’s Aquabusiness School and Technology Business Incubation (ABS-TBI) program, which aims to provide business opportunities and livelihood for fisherfolk by promoting various fish commodity technologies.

The incubatees, Lisa Zamora, Janet Bacalso, and Eleuteria Paler, were guided by the NFRDI technical team throughout the entire program to ensure its effectiveness. They were provided with agricultural startup materials, including nets, monitoring equipment, fertilizers, and fingerlings. Additionally, they underwent a refresher course on grow-out culture operations before the start of the second cycle.

Two incubatees, Bacalso and Zamora, achieved a 100 percent survival rate during the harvest, with totals of 833 kilograms and 763 kilograms, respectively. Meanwhile, Paler achieved a 94 percent survival rate, resulting in a harvest of 560 kilograms. The bountiful harvest in this second cycle was attributed to close monitoring, proper feeding, and effective pond preparation.

The successful implementation of the project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of NFRDI Executive Director Lilian Garcia, NFRDI-Brackishwater Fisheries Research and Development Center OIC Dr. Casiano Choresca, Jr., ABS-TBI Project Leader Dr. Joseph Christopher Rayos, Co-Project Leader Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia, BFAR-10 Regional Director Dr. Edward Yasay, and the Municipal Agriculture Office of LGU-Lala.

During the MOA signing, Director Yasay emphasized the significance of the project’s implementation in the region, stating, “BFAR-10 will always give its full support to the program and will continue to work hand-in-hand to extend the scope of technical assistance.” ### (Shaena Mae Mahusay)