Aiming to spur economic growth and innovation in the aquaculture sector, the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Northern Mindanao and the local government of Lala, Lanao del Norte for the launch of the AquaBiz School and Technology Business Incubation program.
The agreement, signed last week and announced Wednesday, will establish aquapreneur model farms in the region, envisioned as certified training hubs for advanced fisheries technologies. The initiative seeks to empower startups by enhancing technical skills, encouraging innovation, and increasing productivity in the tilapia farming industry — a key driver of local food security and employment.
“The local tilapia culture in Lala not only provides food and nutrition to the population but it also grants livelihood,” said Edward Yasay, BFAR-Northern Mindanao director, underscoring the socio-economic importance of the sector.
Under the agreement, NFRDI will assist participating startups in developing tilapia grow-out systems in brackishwater ponds, a method well-suited to the coastal conditions of Northern Mindanao. While further details of the program have not been disclosed, the partnership is seen as a strategic move to build local expertise and enterprise in aquaculture.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country produced 309,194.81 metric tons (MT) of tilapia in 2024, with Lanao del Norte contributing 3,411.19 MT — or 1.1 percent of national output. Despite its modest share, the province’s role in tilapia production is considered vital for regional food systems and rural development.
NFRDI, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, leads research and development initiatives in the fisheries sector, supporting policies and programs that aim to sustain and modernize the industry.
