In its bid to redefine aquaculture development in the rural areas, the fisheries Bureau launched the one-million peso worth one unit of circular High-Density Polyethylene Fish Cage project at barangay Bessang, Allacapan, Cagayan as part of the agency’s aim to boost fisheries production.
The third unit awarded to the local government unit, said project will be operated and managed by the Bessang Small Water Irrigation System Association. Earlier, the fisheries Bureau awarded the first two units of HDPE cages to the Napuaran Farmers Association in August of 2023.
The DA-BFAR 2 will provide input assistance such as fingerlings (12, 000 pieces for initial stocking), feeds, technical assistance, and capability training on the operation and management. Likewise, members of the association will also be equipped with financial literacy after the training.
In 2023, the introduction of circular HDPE fish cages in lakes and small water impounding projects has transformed aquaculture in rural areas, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for fish farming. These cages are designed for durability, flexibility, and ease of maintenance, making them ideal for challenging rural environments especially in areas frequently visited by typhoons like Region 2.
Made from recyclable materials, the HDPE cages promote eco-friendly practices. Additionally, their design minimizes the impact on surrounding aquatic ecosystems by reducing feed waste and debris.
These cages are lightweight yet sturdy, making them easy to transport and install in remote areas. They are suitable for a variety of water bodies, including lakes, reservoirs, and rivers commonly found in rural regions.
With a water area of seven hectares, the Bessang SWIP is accessible to the national highway which makes it a feasible site for the fishcage project. Once, operational, it will cater to the fish requirement of the municipality and neighboring town of Ballesteros and at the same time will provide lucrative income for the association members.
With an initial stock of 12, 000 pieces of tilapia fingerlings, ffter four months of culture, the HDPE cage is expected to yield 2.4 metric tons of marketable size of tilapia which is sold at a farm gate price of Php 110.00 a kilo.
To date, there are 572 registered fisherfolk in the municipality wherein 107.756 hectares are utilized for fishponds.
A joint event of the fisheries Bureau and the LGU-Allacapan, the launching was attended by LGU staff headed by Eliseo B. Galura, barangay officials led by their barangay captain Joseph Collado, Jennifer Tattao, Provincial Fishery Officer -Cagayan and staff; and DA-BFAR 2 technical experts. (Photo credits: D. Julian, PFO, Cagayan)



























