Southern Leyte gov’t pushes aquaculture training for farmers

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 26 (PNA) -– The provincial government here is proposing a deal with Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) Bontoc Campus for the establishment of a demonstration farm for aquatic production and culture in Hinunangan town.

The proposed memorandum of agreement (MOA), according Governor Roger Mercado aims to increase food productivity and enhance food security in the province, by teaching and encouraging farmers to engage in aquaculture, tapping the technical know-how of SLSU.

“Farmers in other towns who are going to learn the aquatic technology, they will be more motivated to apply what they will learn to augment their income,” Mercado said

SLSU-Bontoc will likewise be conducting teach-in seminars, on-the-spot teaching demonstration in the field and other hands-on techniques once the MOA will be approved by school head Dewoowoogen Baclayon.

Former provincial board member Vick Barcelon said he will donate a hectare lot as demonstration farm in Hinunangan town.

The new building can accommodate 50 farmers for teach-in seminars and other hands-on field demonstration for the participants’ learning and acquiring skills.

The area located in Tal-ay Hills within Catublian and Nueva Esperanza villages is ideal for inland and upland aquatic culture since it has its own spring water, which normally protects and prevents it from being polluted with other waters from outside source.

The area is also accessible to farmers and other people interested in aquatic food production, according to Barcelon.

A team from SLSU is scheduled to check the lot to come up with recommendations.

The provincial government is committed to provide for the equipment needed in the constructions of infrastructure for the proposed project to make the site suitable to SLSU-Bontoc aquatic technology.

The knowledge and skill in acquiring the technology and techniques in aquatic culture and production will also be taught to farmers and other interested parties in towns outside Hinunangan.

“Teaching the farmers and entrepreneurs in this province how to fish is the best way of helping them provide for their livelihood and food security for their families,” he added. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/QUIRICO M. GORPIDO JR./EGR