The Department of Agriculture – National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) through the Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (FFRDC), in partnership with the DA–Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), conducted an online inception meeting for the project, “Enhanced Grow-out Culture Technology for Small-scale Operation of Maliputo (Caranx ignobilis)” on June 3, 2025.

Implemented under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Research for Development (R4D) program, the project aims to scale up the grow-out culture of maliputo— a premium and culturally significant fish species popular in Batangas —by developing a sustainable and accessible aquaculture model for small-scale fish farmers.

FFRDC Senior Science Research Specialist Frederick Muyot delivered the opening remarks while Science Research Specialist II Janet Baral presented the details of the project on behalf of Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia, project leader and FFRDC chief. She outlined the project’s objectives, proposed Package of Technology (POT), budget, and implementation plan. The initiative will include training, demonstration sites, and partnerships with local cooperators to equip fisherfolk with the tools and knowledge needed to adopt maliputo culture practices effectively.

BAR representatives, Erick Morales and Amavel Velasco, provided guidance on monitoring, evaluation, and ethical research practices. The next steps include selecting pilot cooperators and conducting capacity-building activities in target communities.

The event concluded with an open forum and closing remarks from Marnelie Subong. Other attendees included representatives from BAR, Office of the Provincial Agriculture – Batangas, and the NFRDI-FFRDC project team.

This collaboration reinforces the two agencies’ commitment to science-based solutions for sustainable aquaculture, aiming to improve rural livelihoods, strengthen food security, and support climate-resilient development. Amid pressing challenges like dwindling fish stocks and climate change, this project offers a practical, high-impact alternative for small-scale fisherfolk seeking to build more secure and sustainable futures. ### (James Carl Arespi)