Panabo City, September 2, 2024 – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Mariculture Center (BFAR-NMC) successfully conducted a specialized training on Aqua-Feed Formulation for participants from various local government entities across the Davao Region. The comprehensive program aimed to equip local fisheries officers and agricultural staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance aquaculture practices within their respective communities.
The three-day training brought together representatives from the Provincial Fisheries Offices of Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental. Additionally, attendees included participants from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Panabo City, the Provincial Agriculture Offices of Davao del Sur and Davao del Norte, the City Agriculture Offices of Tagum City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), as well as the Municipal Agriculture Offices of Kapalong, Carmen, Talaingod, Sto. Tomas, and New Corella.
Dr. Jericardo S. Mondragon, the Center Chief of BFAR-NMC, warmly welcomed the participants during the opening ceremony. He highlighted the importance of the training in promoting sustainable aquaculture practices, which is vital for the economic growth and food security of the region. “This training is an essential step towards empowering our local government units to optimize their aquaculture systems, ensuring the production of high-quality, cost-effective aqua feeds,” said Dr. Mondragon.
The course was expertly led by Ms. Juliebee C. Rosos, Head of the Training and Program Development Section of BFAR-NMC, along with her competent team of staff. With the support of reliable and experienced speakers, the training provided participants with both theoretical and hands-on learning opportunities. Topics covered included the fundamentals of aqua-feed formulation, the selection of raw materials, nutrient requirements for different fish species, and the latest trends and technologies in feed production.
Participants engaged in practical sessions where they formulated their aqua feeds, learning to balance the nutritional needs of aquaculture species with cost-effectiveness. The training also included discussions on quality control and the economic implications of feed formulation, equipping participants with the skills to implement these practices in their local aquaculture programs. The proximate analysis of the aqua feed formulation developed by BFAR-NMC under the leadership of Mr. Edwin C. Rosos demonstrates a composition and quality that is on par with, if not superior to, commercially available feeds.
Mr. Edwin S. Rosos, Head of the Satellite Office of BFAR-NMC, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the significance of the knowledge gained during the training. “The skills you have acquired here will not only benefit your respective localities but also contribute to the overall advancement of the aquaculture industry in the Davao Region,” he stated.
The participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to enhance their technical expertise, and they committed to applying the lessons learned in their local aquaculture initiatives. The training concluded with the awarding of certificates to the participants, marking the successful completion of the program.
The BFAR-NMC continues to play a pivotal role in advancing aquaculture in the Philippines through its training programs, research, and development initiatives, ensuring the sustainable growth of the industry in the years to come.
