Pangasinan Aims to Boost Local Bangus Production with New Hatchery

Pangasinan, Philippines – The Pangasinan provincial government has set ambitious goals to elevate bangus (milkfish) fry production through the establishment of a new breeding and hatchery facility. This initiative is expected to annually yield over 100 million bangus fry and 48 million bangus larvae, meeting the significant local demand for these essential aquaculture inputs. The local demand for bangus fry and larvae reportedly stands at over 500 million per year, a demand that is currently partly met through imports.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Pangasinan provincial government, Governor Ramon Guico III highlighted the project’s potential to localize bangus fry and larvae production, reducing dependence on imports and strengthening the local aquaculture industry. The project comprises multiple components including broodstock and larval rearing tanks, along with necessary infrastructure to support the operation. Set to commence in 2024 in Bolinao’s village of Arnedo, this World Bank-assisted venture has a total investment of PHP239 million, with the World Bank contributing the major share of 80 percent. The national and provincial governments will each cover 10 percent of the project costs.

The breeding and hatchery initiative is part of the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up, aimed at improving market access and income for agri-fishery value chains. The project will directly benefit approximately 39,399 fisherfolk, numerous bangus nursery operators, and a satellite hatchery, reinforcing Pangasinan’s status as the leading bangus producer in the Philippines, accounting for more than a quarter of the national output.