Batac city: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 1 (BFAR-1) on Monday distributed over PHP2 million worth of aquaculture inputs for "ulang" (freshwater prawn) farming to registered fisherfolk in Ilocos Norte. "Ulang farming is new to us but we are glad the technology was shared to us by BFAR," Ramil Casauran, one of the recipients in Barangay Pimentel in this city, told the Philippine News Agency on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the distribution comes as BFAR-1 starts dispersing ulang to different bodies of water in the province following the success of ulang farming using bamboo floating cages in small water impounding projects, lakes, and reservoirs. Study shows that giant freshwater prawns grow well in ponds, cages, and rice-fish systems, and require clean water and good quality feed. Under proper care, they mature in five to six months. "We look forward to harvest time," Casauran said.

BFAR-1 director Rosario Segundina Gaerlan said they established the first ulang hatchery in Barangay Nanguyudan in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, which currently is under "experimental stage." Before this, the nearest BFAR-operated ulang hatchery was located in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. To speed up the development of ulang industry here, BFAR-1 has been conducting stock enhancement activities in rivers and lakes under the ongoing implementation of the Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa program.

The program aims to rehabilitate river system and enhance fisheries through conservation, protection, and repopulation of indigenous fish species in the region. In addition to ulang farming, oyster and siganid farming are also being promoted in coastal communities here to sustain the livelihood of residents and boost food security.