Over 600 kilos of tilapia were harvested this Holy Week by the Balintang Upland Farmer’s Association (BUFAS) through a Department of Science and Technology-supported aquaculture project, underscoring efforts to boost rural livelihoods.
The group recorded a total harvest of 602 kilos from its fishpond, with more stocks still growing, marking a milestone in their expansion from traditional farming into aquaculture.
The project, part of the Technology Demonstration Project implemented by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in MIMAROPA (BFAR-MIMAROPA), is done in partnership with the local government of Quezon and the Provincial Agriculture Office.
“Layunin ng programa na maipakita sa mga komunidad ang epektibong teknolohiya sa aquaculture na maaaring magpalakas sa produksyon at kita ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” the report said.
BUFAS members said the harvest represents not just added income but also hope and perseverance.
“Ang ani ngayong Semana Santa ay simbolo rin ng pag-asa at pagpupunyagi—isang paalala na sa tamang suporta at pagtutulungan, posibleng umunlad ang kabuhayan sa kanayunan,” they said.
According to BFAR, the project demonstrates how technical support and training can help small-scale farmers diversify income and strengthen local food production.
