Ilocos Norte fishers receive ?2-M support for freshwater prawn farming
BATAC CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 1 (BFAR-1) has distributed over ₱2 million worth of aquaculture inputs to fisherfolk in Ilocos Norte to jumpstart freshwater prawn or ulang farming in the province.
“Ulang farming is new to us but we are glad the technology was shared by BFAR,” said Ramil Casauran, a beneficiary from Barangay Pimentel in Batac City, as he expressed optimism for their upcoming harvest.
The initiative follows BFAR-1’s pilot dispersal of ulang in various water bodies, after the success of bamboo floating cage farming in lakes, reservoirs, and small water impounding projects. Studies show that giant freshwater prawns thrive in ponds, cages, and rice-fish systems, maturing in five to six months under proper care.
BFAR-1 Director Rosario Segundina Gaerlan said the region has already established its first ulang hatchery in Barangay Nanguyudan, Paoay, which is currently under the experimental stage. Previously, the nearest BFAR-operated hatchery was in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.
To accelerate the growth of the industry, BFAR-1 has also been conducting stock enhancement activities in rivers and lakes through the Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa (BASIL) program, which rehabilitates river systems and restores indigenous fish species.
Aside from ulang, BFAR is also promoting oyster and siganid farming in coastal areas to diversify livelihood opportunities and help strengthen local food security.
—NPO News Team | PIA-PR
