MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – With its rich and abundant water resources, Bukidnon holds vast potential for aquaculture—particularly in tilapia production—an official of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) emphasized during Bukidnon’s 2nd Tilapia Festival, held April 15, 2026, at the Centennial Backstage, Kaamulan Park in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Gekie S. Sy, senior agriculturist and officer-in-charge of the Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) Bukidnon, underscored this in her opening remarks.

Carrying the theme “Tilapia in Bukidnon: From Pond to Plate, Advancing Together,” the festival gathered fish growers from all 22 local government units (LGUs) across the province.

A highlight of the event was the ceremonial turnover of three million tilapia fingerlings to local fish growers, sourced from the Kisolon Freshwater Fish Production and Regional Training Center in Kisolon, Sumilao, Bukidnon.

Based on a four- to five-month production cycle, a one-hectare fishpond may generate a projected net income of ₱672,250.

Sy noted that, according to updated aquafarm data submitted by LGUs to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bukidnon has 2,964 fishponds. However, she explained that while the province has a significant number of aquafarms, most remain small-scale or backyard operations.

“Compared with other provinces in Region 10, we may have a large number of fishponds, but many are still small and have yet to transition into commercial and intensive production systems,” Sy said.

She added that the Tilapia Festival, part of the Kaamulan 2026 celebration, focuses on tilapia as the province’s primary fish commodity and a key driver for growth.

The festival, she stressed, reflects a unified effort to strengthen tilapia production, ensure food security, and stimulate economic development in Bukidnon.

“Much of the tilapia sold in Bukidnon markets still comes from other regions because our backyard production is quickly absorbed locally. This signals strong potential for expanding commercial production and strengthening the province’s market, especially given its abundant water resources,” Sy added.

Aside from the fingerlings dispersal, the festival featured various activities, including the Biggest “Pinaka” Tilapia contest, poster-making contest, “fry-to-fly” challenge, cooking competitions, grilling activities, and more.

Sy said the festival aims to advance the tilapia industry by fostering collaboration across sectors—from youth and Indigenous Peoples to LGUs, fisherfolk, and aquafarm operators—through shared knowledge, skills, innovation, and participation.

She added that the event promotes best practices, encourages innovation and value-adding, enhances production standards, and inspires healthy competition to improve efficiency and productivity in the aquaculture sector.

Tilapia remains the leading commodity in Bukidnon’s fisheries sector, with production reaching 451 metric tons in 2025, based on PSA data.

For his part, Edward B. Yasay, BFAR regional director, said the post-harvest symposium held alongside the festival is expected to enhance skills and help scale up tilapia production initiatives.

He expressed optimism that tilapia farming could become a stronger livelihood source, especially amid growing demand.

Bukidnon Provincial Agriculturist Ma. Lilith M. Turan encouraged farmers in areas with reliable water sources to venture into tilapia farming as an additional income stream.

She also noted the declining presence of fish, chicken, and egg vendors in barangays due to rising fuel costs.

“We should prioritize selling our fish within our communities so we can continue providing accessible food,” Turan said. She added that a provincial task force has recently been organized, with one of its key aims being to strengthen the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program in every municipality and city, while encouraging fish growers to showcase their harvested tilapia alongside affordable rice in Kadiwa centers.

Meanwhile, Mercy Ebcas, assistant provincial administrator representing Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, reaffirmed the provincial government’s continued support for programs that uplift the livelihoods of tilapia growers and expressed hope for the success of initiatives aimed at boosting production.

Beyond fresh produce, tilapia is also being transformed into value-added products such as siomai, longanisa, dried tilapia, TilaPeanutMix, and more. (melbmadera)

Ceremonial turnover of three million tilapia fingerlings to local fish growers highlights the Bukidnon 2nd Tilapia Festival at the Centennial Backstage, Kaamulan Park, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, on April 15, 2026—marking a renewed commitment to sustainable aquaculture and food security in the province. (melbmadera)