Pantabangan Aquapark Set to Boost Fisheries Production in Nueva Ecija

The Pantabangan Aquaculture Park in Nueva Ecija, launched two years ago, is gearing up for an expansion that promises to significantly enhance fisheries output in the region. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has recently reported the successful harvest of “quality tilapia” from the existing fish cages within the reservoir, highlighting the project’s potential to contribute to the country’s fish self-sufficiency goals.

Plans to expand the aquaculture park include the addition of more fish cages constructed from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), a petroleum-based material known for its flexibility, strength, and durability. This choice of material is deemed more viable for the park compared to traditional bamboo or galvanized iron pipes, according to project focal person Joseph Bitara.

The Pantabangan Aquaculture Park, established in 2022, celebrated a significant milestone last February 8 with the harvest of over 400 kilograms of tilapia, marking the completion of the project’s research phase. Currently, the park operates 24 HDPE fish cages, primarily used to assess the growth performance of Nile Tilapia, a species suited for tropical aquaculture like that of the Philippines.

BFAR’s strategic plan for 2023-2028 aims for 100-percent fish self-sufficiency by enhancing productivity and reducing post-harvest losses. The Pantabangan Aquaculture Park is anticipated to not only boost local fish production but also serve as a model for sustainable aquaculture practices across Central Luzon and beyond.

Despite a slight decline in fisheries production in 2023, with a 1.8 percent drop from the previous year, aquaculture continues to dominate over half of the domestic fisheries output. With the Pantabangan project and similar initiatives, BFAR seeks to address food security concerns using small water impounding projects (SWIPs) and other open water resources.

In collaboration with the National Irrigation Administration, the Protected Area Management Board of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Biodiversity Management Bureau, and the local government of Pantabangan, BFAR will also focus on developing a municipal tilapia hatchery, providing technical and management training for fisherfolk beneficiaries and cage operators, and designing an aquaculture training agenda.

The Pantabangan Aquaculture Park is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing the fisheries sector’s contribution to food security and economic development in the region, showcasing the potential of innovative aquaculture practices in the Philippines.