Manila: Senator Cynthia Villar is pushing for the creation of an aquaculture feed mill plant in the province of Capiz to support the fisherfolk and strengthen the country's aquaculture sector. Villar said the initiative, designed to reduce production costs and improve the livelihoods of local fish farmers, has gained strong legislative backing.

According to Philippines News Agency, the measure proposes the establishment of an aquaculture feed mill plant in Barangay Bahit, Capiz, and shall be under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. "This initiative is a crucial step toward enhancing productivity, ensuring sustainability, and reducing the financial strain on local aquaculture producers," Villar said in a statement.

Capiz, renowned for its abundant fishing grounds and swamplands, is seen as an ideal site for the facility. Beyond improving feed access, the feed mill is expected to stimulate the regional economy, bolster food security, and help the Philippines maintain its position as a leading aquaculture producer in Southeast Asia.

The bill also provides government funding not only for the feed mill's construction and operation but also for research and development efforts to enhance local feed production technologies tailored to the needs of Filipino fish farmers. The proposed feed mill aims to provide affordable, high-quality aquaculture feeds, helping fish farmers cope with rising feed costs, which account for up to 70 percent of their total production expenses.

"The establishment of a feed mill in the province of Capiz will directly benefit our fish farmers by providing them with a steady supply of nutrient-rich, affordable feed," she said. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will conduct a comprehensive feasibility study to evaluate the project's viability and identify the most sustainable implementation model.

Two years after completion, the feed mill will be officially turned over to the Capiz provincial local government unit (LGU) for operation and management. To ensure a smooth transition, BFAR will also provide hands-on training for LGU staff, equipping them with the technical and operational skills needed to manage the facility effectively.

"This is not just about building infrastructure," Villar said. "It's about securing the future of our fisherfolk and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our aquaculture industry," she said.