Blessing and Inauguration of the first-ever Bangus Wild Fry Holding Facility in CALABARZON Region

Blessing and Inauguration of the first-ever Bangus Wild Fry Holding Facility in CALABARZON Region

Infanta, Quezon-The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) CALABARZON recently held the blessing and inauguration of the very first Bangus Wild Fry Holding Facility on July 2, 2025, in Infanta, Quezon.

        This new facility is part of the National Bangus Development Program (NBDP), which aims to boost the production and supply of bangus (milkfish) not just in Infanta, but also in neighboring towns and provinces across CALABARZON. Through this initiative, BFAR hopes to strengthen the local bangus industry and open up more livelihood opportunities for fisherfolk in the area.

To help ensure the facility’s success, BFAR 4A will initially oversee its operations for the first year. During this time, they will also train and build the capacity of the local fisherfolk group, the Samahan ng mga Mangingisda ng Libjo (SaMaLib), so they’ll be ready to take over. After a year, the facility will be officially turned over to SaMaLib, with support from the Infanta local government, so they can fully manage and own it.

At the event, Regional Director Sammy A. Malvas assured everyone of BFAR’s unwavering support, saying, “Kami naman po ay nandyan lang sa inyong likod at aalalayan po namin kayo technical para po masigurado po natin na magtuloy-tuloy ang takbo ng ating proyekto.” As an initial boost, BFAR CALABARZON purchased 600,000 bangus wild fry from the association. This will give SaMaLib the funds needed to jumpstart the facility’s operations and sustain its early activities. The purchased fry was then turned over to two selected beneficiaries for nursery production — another component of the NBDP.

        With BFAR CALABARZON, the local government, and the fisherfolk working hand in hand, this facility is set to create more opportunities and build sustainable livelihoods for the fishing communities in the area. #