By I. Inojales, PR | 08:03 PM August 21, 2025
SAN MIGUEL, BOHOL — The Provincial Government of Bohol, in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), turned over High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages and stocked tilapia fingerlings at Bayongan Dam, San Miguel, on Wednesday, August 20, in a bid to strengthen aquaculture and boost local livelihoods.
Seven People’s Organizations (POs) received one HDPE cage each, along with fingerlings and tilapia feeds. The beneficiaries include the San Miguel Tilapia Growers Association, Illaya Tilapia Growers Association, Awjan Zamora Farmers Association, Guinob-an Tilapia Growers Association, Barangay Farmers Technician Association, Valladolid Palayaman Farmers Association, and Loay Fishermen’s Association.
Each HDPE cage, worth P900,000, is expected to enhance the aquaculture production of the groups.
BFAR provided 15,000 fingerlings, acclimated inside Bayongan Dam under the supervision of NIA. These fingerlings will reach marketable size in about four months and will be sold directly to local markets.
Officials said the program is also designed to strengthen the value chain of tilapia fingerlings by connecting hatcheries — both private and government-run — across the province.
Governor Aris Aumentado led the turnover ceremony, joined by Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, Provincial Agriculturist Liza Quirog, and Board Member Nathaniel Binlod, chair of the Committee on Agriculture.
San Miguel Vice Mayor June Reign Reyes, representing Mayor Ian Gil Mendez, welcomed the participants.
Reyes assured continued support for local livelihood programs, saying, “Kanunay gipamatud-an sa Provincial Government ug sa Munisipyo sa San Miguel ang pagpaningkamot alang sa economic development ug livelihood sa mga people’s organization. I hope, ma-sustain ug mapalambo pa kini para mas daghan pa ang makinabang.”
NIA’s Evelina Putong recalled that Bayongan Dam was built through the efforts of the late Governor Erico Boyles Aumentado, father of the incumbent governor, and reiterated NIA’s commitment to expand irrigation and water-based livelihood opportunities in Bohol.
Provincial Agriculturist Quirog emphasized the importance of fingerling distribution in strengthening fisheries, while also urging the youth to explore opportunities in aquaculture for food security, livelihood, and even tourism.
BFAR Agriculturist Ma. Rocile Angela Josol congratulated the beneficiaries, expressing hope for bountiful yields. Caberte, meanwhile, assured that the provincial government will sustain and expand aquaculture projects in line with Aumentado’s vision of inclusive agricultural development.
Aumentado, in his message, reaffirmed his administration’s focus on strengthening both agriculture and tourism, the two major drivers of Bohol’s economy. He recalled how agriculture sustained the province during the pandemic and underscored the importance of food security.
“This is a dream come true. Itugyan ug isalig namo kini kaninyo. Dako ni nga investment, ug inyong kontribusyon mao ang inyong kakugi. Kamo maka-income, ug kamo una makakonsumo,” Aumentado told the beneficiaries.
The provincial government vowed to continue investing in agriculture alongside tourism to ensure resilience, inclusivity, and a self-sustaining future for all Boholanos.
