#RedTilapiaCookingContest│Today, September 21, 2022, the DA- BFAR 2 thru the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordinating Center held the Red Tilapia Cooking Contest to promote the utilization of this emerging “aquaculture darling” in the region.

Dr. Evelyn C. Ame, project leader on Red Tilapia, said that the cooking contest is just one of the promotional activities covered by the Red Tilapia Research and Development Project of the Bureau to further popularize the said species as a prospective aquaculture species.

Funded by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research, said cooking activity was participated by four partner academic institutions: Cagayan State University-Andrews Campus, Isabela State University-Echague Campus, Quirino State University-Diffun and Nueva Vizacaya State University-Bayombong.

The Cagayan State University’s entry, composed of faculty members from the College of Hospitality Management bagged first place and received a cash award of P15, 000.00. Second place went to Quirino State University with cash award of P12,000.00. Meantime, the Nueva Vizcaya State University placed third and received P10, 000.00. Lastly, the Isabela State University was given a consolation prize of P5,000. 00.

DA-BFAR 2 Regional Director, Dr. Angel B. Encarnacion, in his message calls for the support of all stakeholders to promote the culture of Red Tilapia as means to increase fish production and expand its market not only locally but in other fish-consuming areas.

The members of the panel of judges were: Ms. Marnelie G. Subong, Focal Person for Fisheries Research and Development Programs, DA-BAR; Atty. Orlyne T. Trinidad, faculty member, University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao; Dr. Isagani P. Angeles, Jr., Dean Institute of Fisheries Freshwater Fisheries Center, Isabela State University-Echague; Dr. Kingford N. Tan, nutrition and wellness specialist and Ms. Gene V. Baquiran from the Philippine Information Agency Regional Office 2.