With its rich marine resources, the Philippines has long depended on fisheries for food, livelihood, and cultural identity. However, as global seafood demand rises and wild fish stocks decline, aquaculture is becoming essential for ensuring food security and economic growth. Yet, many fisherfolk still face low productivity, outdated methods, and unstable incomes.

To address these challenges, the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) established the AquaBiz School and Technology Business Incubation (ABS-TBI) Program, an initiative that integrates matured aquaculture and postharvest package of technologies (POT) with business development strategies. The program is designed to empower and capacitate fish farmers with the POTs and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to transform from subsistence fish farming to sustainable aquabusiness enterprises.

“In a nation like the Philippines, shaped by the sea, the NFRDI’s ABS-TBI program bridges the gap between traditional practices and modern aquabusiness, empowering fisherfolk to rise from survival to success through innovation, education, and entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia, Scientist I and ABS-TBI program supervisor.

Inception of ABS-TBI

The ABS-TBI program is a key initiative under DA’s Agri-Industrial Business Corridors, established across 12 Fisheries Management Areas. These corridors serve as hubs for aquaculture research, training, and business incubation, giving fisherfolk access to modern technologies, facilities, and markets.

Spearheaded by NFRDI Executive Director Dr. Lilian C. Garcia—whose vision of transforming fisheries through science and innovation continues to guide the institute—the ABS-TBI Program bridges science and entrepreneurship through technology transfer and aquabusiness incubation. The program is implemented under the guidance of Program Supervisor Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia and Program Leader Dr. Joseph Christopher Rayos, whose expertise serve as the foundation for effective program execution and nationwide impact.

At the heart of this initiative are NFRDI’s four national centers—Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (FFRDC), Brackishwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (BFRDC), Marine Freshwater Research and Development Center (MFRDC), and Fisheries Biotechnology Center (FBC) — serving as aquabiz schools. These centers train fisherfolk, students, and entrepreneurs in mature aquaculture technologies and business management, fostering sustainable and profitable practices.

The program supports selected “incubatees”—fish farmers guided from setup to commercialization. “We guide them from start to finish,” said Dr. Mutia. “We ensure they can continue applying NFRDI’s technologies and turn their farms into viable businesses.”

ABS-TBI promotes the adoption of mature aquaculture and post-harvest technologies developed by NFRDI, SEAFDEC, and BFAR. By turning research into real-world business opportunities, the program accelerates innovation adoption, boosts local aquaculture, and drives inclusive growth in the sector.

Benefits and impacts

Launched in 2022, NFRDI’s ABS-TBI program aims to transform traditional fish farming into thriving aquabusinesses. Since its inception, it has successfully transferred nine matured aquaculture and postharvest technologies to incubatees across the Philippines, covering high-demand species like milkfish, tilapia, catfish, ornamental fish, and maliputo. The program has also introduced value-adding strategies, such as tuna bottling and fish smoking, enabling incubatees to boost productivity and access new markets.

It has empowered 60 incubatees and 14 local associations by providing essential technical expertise and financial resources to establish and expand their businesses.

Building on its success, NFRDI expanded the program in 2023, extending its reach to more incubatees across the country and creating new opportunities for local communities through aquaculture.

Through the aquabiz schools (FRRDC, BFRDC, MFRDC, and FBC), hands-on business development in aquaculture, with access to advanced facilities like laboratories, hatcheries, and grow-out farms were provided. The program equips fisherfolk, students, and stakeholders with practical training in proven aquaculture techniques, while fostering partnerships with organizations such as BFAR, TESDA, ATI, and market partners.

By combining technical expertise with real-world opportunities, the program continues to drive change in Philippine aquaculture, promoting 17 technology packages, including additional technologies for sea cucumber, abalone, and freshwater prawn.

To date, 77 incubatees across 10 regions have received startup support, including fry, fingerlings, feeds, equipment, and labor. These efforts aim to strengthen local capacities, increase farm productivity, and ensure a consistent supply of key aquaculture species.

To further expand its reach and raise awareness, the program has conducted 22 training sessions, empowering 964 individuals nationwide, including fisherfolk, students, and other stakeholders. Additionally, it has distributed 4,471 Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to promote the adoption of sustainable, science-based aquaculture practices in communities.

Looking ahead to 2024-2025, the ABS-TBI program will focus on transforming selected incubatees into Aquapreneurs, helping them grow their businesses and earn accreditation through the NFRDI AquaBiz School Certification System (ABSCS) for both individual incubatees and their fisheries demo-farms.

From incubatees to aquapreneurs

Becoming an aquapreneur under the program offers significant value. It provides recognition and credibility in the aquaculture industry by demonstrating technical expertise in applying adopted technologies. The certification ensures that aquapreneurs are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to run efficient, sustainable farms.

The program offers hands-on training tailored to each incubatee’s needs, enhancing their production capacity and operational effectiveness. It also provides a platform for networking with key players in the fisheries sector, fostering valuable collaborations that can lead to new opportunities, markets, and innovations.

As part of their development, the program will help aquapreneurs transform their farms into fisheries demo-farms, serving as training grounds for students, aspiring fish farmers, and other stakeholders interested in modern aquaculture technologies.

A total of 17 aquapreneurs will be guided through the NFRDI ABSCS process. Once certified, they will have the opportunity to deliver lectures and conduct hands-on training, sharing their expertise with fellow farm operators and trainers, thus helping to build a network of skilled professionals dedicated to advancing aquaculture practices.

Sustaining impact of the program

The program will continue to support and guide these aquapreneurs, ensuring they meet all requirements for full accreditation. Once certified, they will be recognized as NFRDI AquaBiz Schools, positioning them for long-term success and leadership in the aquaculture industry.

By fostering the growth of aquapreneurs through education, training, and certification, the ABS-TBI program strengthens individual businesses and contributes to a more sustainable, innovative future for the fisheries sector.

Edwin Landaos Jr., an aquapreneur from Baco, Oriental Mindoro, shared how the NFRDI ABS-TBI program transformed his livelihood: “Dati ang alam ko lang ay kung paano magpalaki ng tilapia na walang sinusunod na proseso pero dahil sa proyekto ng NFRDI marami akong natutunan na bagong kaalaman at ngayon nagpapatakbo na ako ng isang business. Maraming salamat sa proyekto na binigay ng NFRDI.”

From a small-scale tilapia grower, Edwin is now managing a thriving aquabusiness, a testament to how the program empowers ordinary fisherfolk to become confident entrepreneurs through training and support.

Stories like Edwin’s highlight the impact of the NFRDI ABS-TBI Program—it turns perseverance into purpose.

This program isn’t just about technology; it’s about creating real opportunities. By turning simple ideas into businesses, it helps families earn more, grow small enterprises, and ensure food security in communities.

Ways forward

The ABS-TBI program is shaping a sustainable and innovative future for aquaculture by empowering aquapreneurs and strengthening the fisheries sector. The partnerships with ATI and TESDA, will allow accredited AquaBiz Schools to offer nationally recognized training, boosting both the credibility and impact of aquapreneurs. By enhancing aquaculture education and expanding job opportunities, the program is helping build a skilled workforce aligned with industry needs and national food security goals.

As the aquaculture industry evolves, NFRDI remains committed to developing and promoting technologies that support sustainable fish production. With the ABS-TBI program, more fisherfolk across the country are being introduced to proven aquaculture practices that improve productivity and secure livelihoods. In collaboration with BFAR and LGUs, the program is set to expand further by establishing additional accredited AquaBiz Schools in key regions—ensuring that successful models are replicated and adapted to local contexts.

These efforts not only uplift communities but also build a stronger, more resilient fisheries sector—laying the foundation for a more sustainable economy.

“Empowering dreams, one fisherfolk at a time—the NFRDI ABS-TBI Program transforms aquaculture into opportunity, giving ordinary people the tools to build extraordinary futures,” concluded Dr. Mutia. ### (James Carl Arespi)