CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — To strengthen collaboration and boost production in the country’s tilapia industry, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) gathered key stakeholders from across the country for the 2nd National Tilapia Dialogue held in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.
Aimed at fostering dialogue among tilapia industry players, the activity served as a venue to discuss challenges, share insights, and recommend strategies to enhance tilapia production nationwide.
In line with this effort, PhilTilapia, Inc. also convened a meeting where 15 members of the Board of Trustees were elected. It served as an opportunity to strengthen member relations and set new directions for the continued growth of the industry.
Recognized as one of the country’s most important fish species, tilapia remains an affordable and nutritious food source that provides livelihood to many Filipinos.
Despite its importance, the industry continues to face issues such as high production costs, post-harvest losses, and marketing challenges.
Through the dialogue, participants identified collaborative solutions to sustain and improve productivity in the sector.
BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig and Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz expressed their support for the ongoing development of the tilapia industry and underscored the importance of collective efforts to advance tilapia production.
Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate also lauded the bureau’s efforts and partnerships in advancing the country’s aquaculture sector.
Organized by BFAR and the National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center, the dialogue’s outputs will serve as inputs for updating the Philippine Tilapia Industry Roadmap and will also contribute to the upcoming 7th National Tilapia Congress. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
