Kalinaw News: Philippine Army, LGU officials lead celebration of First Tilapia Harvest Festival in Aurora town

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 16, 2021): Philippine Army, LGU officials lead celebration of First Tilapia Harvest Festival in Aurora town

BALER, Aurora-The 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division Philippine Army, local government units (LGUs) and village folk of Masaganang Perlas ng Silangan Aurora Province (MAPSAP), the host community of Sitio Camalatan, Barangay Nonong Senior in the town of San Luis, this province showcased their rich fish harvest on Sunday, August 15, 2021.

Town’s Mayor Ariel A. de Jesus together with Vice Mayor Tristan Eric Pimentel; and, Lt. Col. Valentino Azarcon-Battalion Executive Officer, 1st Lieutenant Roberto G. Apelado Jr., Civil Military Operation (CMO) Officer under the leadership of Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio-Battalion Commander of 91st IB spearheaded the celebration of the First Tilapia Harvest Festival.

The said project is part of the “Adopt-a-brgy., Kapwa ko, Sagot ko” program of the 91st IB with the help and support of the San Luis LGUs and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The troops harvested 2,000 fresh tilapia after they were drying up the fishpond managed by MAPSAP to sell at the public market.

Ltc Rubio said that the move is part of its continuing efforts to increase productivity and eventually improve the living condition of farmer fisher folks not only in San Luis town but in the whole province with the help of BFAR and Department of Agriculture Aurora.

“We want to help our fisherfolk to adapt with the best and latest developments in the field of technology through the collaborative effort of BFAR and the Department of Agriculture Aurora. Let us make their life a lot easier while becoming more productive in the society including to have abundant fish supply in the market and high income for our fisherfolk,” Ltc Rubio said.

On the other hand, Ltc Azarcon said that the success of the project would also benefit consumers since fish would be available at a lower price.

He advised the MAPSAP people’s organization (POs) for the continuity of the project as one of their means of livelihood and additional income for their family and for the future generation.

Ltc Azarcon said the place is ideal for tilapia farming due to its soil quality, water viability and topography.

“Our local government has been supporting the training for farmers and fisherfolk associations,” he noted.

Mayor de Jesus said that he is happy with the outcome of the project, and he is looking forward for the mass production that would benefit MAPSAP, fish farmers and consumers.

He also lauded the efforts of the 91st IB for helping the people of San Luis.

“It reflects our current thrusts on sustainable production and resource conservation which makes San Luis as the leading producer of Tilapia in the near future through the whole of nation approach,” de Jesus said.

Vice Mayor Pimentel personally give his sincerest thanks to 91st IB due to the significant result attained by MAPSAP in the 90-day culture of tilapia.

He added that through the collaborative effort of the LGU San Luis together with the 91st IB, intensive tilapia culture in pond will produce enough food supply in the town of San Luis.

“Let us support 91st IB in the peace and development in this town. I am expecting that through the said livelihood, it will promise a bright future for our farmer fisherfolk,” Pimentel said.

On the other hand, MAPSAP President Juliet Capistrano said that the pond they built so far can accommodate 10,000 tilapia fingerlings.

“We are blessed to have a great key leaders that uplift our lives and we are so thankful for the help from the government. Rest assured that we will do our best to harvest more,” Capistrano said.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/philippine-army-lgu-officials-lead-celebration-of-first-tilapia-harvest-festival-in-aurora-town/