Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is now gearing up to boost the potential of siganid culture, or rabbitfish or samaral, in aquaculture.
According to Philippines News Agency, this move is part of the agency's intensified efforts to diversify the aquaculture industry. The samaral, also known as 'danggit, kitong, malaga, and padas,' is perceived to have promising potential. DA-BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig highlighted that the development of danggit will help generate more livelihood opportunities for fishers and farmers.
Salilig emphasized the importance of providing fisherfolk with direct access to technology and robust market support to boost samaral production nationwide. The BFAR noted that samaral is already familiar to coastal communities in the Philippines and has established technologies for controlled breeding, hatchery seed production, nursery, and grow-out.
The suitability of samaral for brackishwater ponds and other culture systems makes it easier for fish farmers to integrate it into existing aquaculture infrastructure. Salilig further mentioned that increased production of cultured samaral could enhance value-adding through post-harvest innovation, enabling the development of dried, smoked, marinated, deboned, and ready-to-cook products.
The initiative aims not just to increase fish production but to strengthen the entire value chain, creating sustainable income for fisherfolk and fish farmers. In 2025, the country's aquaculture production of samaral reached 361.57 metric tons (MT), a significant increase from the 153.89 MT recorded in 2021.
