Albay: The Albay Provincial Agricultural Office (APAO), in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Bicol (BFAR-5), is set to establish a PHP10-million Albay Provincial Multi-Species Freshwater Hatchery to enhance product quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and develop value-added products.

According to Philippines News Agency, BFAR-5 spokesperson Rowena Briones stated that the agency has secured funding for the hatchery, currently in the procurement stage. Upon completion, the facility will be handed over to APAO. "The hatchery in Camalig, Albay, is still in the procurement phase. The drilling works have already been bid out, while the construction of the facilities is still in the pre-procurement stage," said Briones in an interview.

In a phone interview, APAO officer-in-charge chief Daryl John Buenconsejo explained that the hatchery will function as a key provincial center for producing and distributing quality freshwater fingerlings and other high-value freshwater species once it is fully operational. "It will also serve as a venue for aquaculture technology demonstration, training, and technical assistance for fish farmers and other fisheries stakeholders in Albay," he added.

The hatchery is projected to benefit over 30,000 fish farmers throughout the province, including fishpond operators, small-scale aquaculture producers, and fisherfolk organizations. The project aims to boost local fish production, thereby benefiting families, consumers, traders, processors, and others involved in the fisheries chain across Albay's municipalities and cities.

Beneficiaries will have access to training and technical assistance in areas such as fish processing, value addition, product development, marketing, and other post-harvest technologies. These activities are designed for fish farmers, fisherfolk, students, women, homemakers, and other stakeholders with identified training needs. Buenconsejo noted that beneficiaries can earn income by growing the fingerlings provided through the program to marketable size and selling their harvests locally.

The long-term sustainability of the hatchery will be maintained through proper facility management, regular maintenance, trained technical personnel, effective broodstock and production management, continuous monitoring, and sufficient operational support. Buenconsejo also highlighted the provincial government's intention to strengthen partnerships with national government agencies, academic institutions, local government units, and development partners for technical assistance, research, capacity building, and technology development.