The City Government of San Fernando La Union thru the City ENRO led the project implementation and in-charge for the cost of piping installation for the first Fish Condominium in the City and in La Union. It was co-sponsored by Holcim Philippines Inc. La Union Plant and Asian Fisheries Academy (AFA) who provided the condominium installation, labor, fish seeds and initial feeds.
The project was carried out last July 29, 2010 at Barangay Lingsat with the Lingsat Integrated Fisherfolk Association (LIFA) as the beneficiary which will maintain the condominium 24/7.
During the cutting of ribbon for the aquafarming facility, Mayor Pablo C. Ortega with a very light mood states that during modern times even fish can now have their own condominium unit. He hopes that the initial project in Lingsat will be perfect and prosper. They can also share their knowledge to the residents from remote/upland barangays in the city whenever they decided to put up their own Fish Condominium. While Dr. Westly R. Rosario, Center Chief of BFAR-NIFTDC was happy to be of help in the implementation of the Fish Condo in the city. Also present during the occasion were Hon. Rudy M. Abat-City Councilor and President of Lingsat Integrated Fisherfolk Asso., Mr. Angelito dela Cruz-OIC AFA, Mr. Serafino delos Angeles-Holcim, La Union Plant, Hon. Alejandrino Mondina-Brgy. Captain of Lingsat, Lingsat Barangay Council, Members of Lingsat Integrated Fisherfolk Association, Staff/Personnel of CENRO, AFA, and City Agriculture.
A technical and training program was also conducted for members of Lingsat Integrated Fisherfolks Association by CENRO and AFA to learn more on how to take good care of the cultured fish and the management of the Fish Condo.
Catfish was preferred for it can be grown at very high stocking density since they utilize atmospheric oxygen. Life support system (pump or aerator) may not be critical in the culture system especially during power failures. Catfish eats anything like old bread, fish, animal entrails, fish feeds and even kitchen refuse. A total of 2000 catfish or dalag was donated by AFA. For every culture chamber, it can accommodate at least 300 catfish.
Fish Condominium Project was conceptualized to enable the culture of fish in used containers like metallic drums arranged vertically to consume small area. It is also the best design for backyard aquaculture projects especially in urban areas. This also lessens the pressure on illegal fishing activities which causes degradation of coastal and marine resources. |
