π¦π§π¨ππ¬ ππ’π₯ π£π₯π’π£π’π¦ππ πππππ§ππ‘ππ¬-πππ π£ππ‘ππππ‘ π ππ₯πππ¨ππ§π¨π₯π π£ππ₯π, πππ₯ππ | The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources β National Mariculture Center (BFAR-NMC), in partnership with BFAR IX, the City Government of Isabela, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and local fisherfolk, officially presented, June 27, the results of the Technical and Environmental Survey.
The presentation was led by BFAR-NMC Aquaculturist II Maria Lourdes Campeon and aimed to determine the feasibility of establishing a mariculture park within the coastal waters of Isabela City, specifically in Barangays Lampinigan and Balatanay.
Also present were Aquaculturists April Rose Galono, Mark Jay Asis, and Administrative Assistant Lorito Silagam from BFAR-NMC; Technical Staff Matthew Neil Chio and Ronnick Praico from BFAR IX; and Development Management Officers Khristian Kier Alberto and Mark Kevin Rustique, as well as Administrative Aide Jemuel Jagape from MinDA.
In attendance were City Administrator Pedrito Eisma, City General Services Officer Eugene Strong, LEDIPO Chief Jaime Juanito River and Acting City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Albino Orbecido
The technical survey included bathymetric profiling, underwater documentation, and water quality monitoring. The results confirmed that both barangays meet national standard requirements for mariculture development. With water depths ranging from 18 to 35 meters and flat to gradually sloping seabeds, the sites were found suitable for installing mooring blocks and floating aquaculture structures, affirming their potential for sustainable mariculture operations.
As part of the development framework, the Isabela City Mariculture Park Development Map and Plan will be formulated in alignment with BFARβs Field Guide for the Establishment, Operation, and Management of Mariculture Parks in the Philippines. During the presentation, it was emphasized that navigational lanes must be clearly defined using visible markers and remain unobstructed. Mooring systems must also be installed under the supervision of BFAR and the LGU, following recommended safety and durability standards.
The proposed plan includes designated areas for fingerling holding and conditioning cages to support quality and sustainable fish growth. A research and development (R&D) zone will also be established for training, studies, and demonstration activities, to be jointly managed by BFAR and the LGU. Floating houses for feed storage and recreation will be strategically positioned to avoid overlapping with farming zones, with raft sizes adjusted according to cage dimensions.
To ensure comprehensive support, the LGU is expected to allocate utility areas for land-based facilities such as harvesting and monitoring stations, ice and cold storage units, feed warehouses, docking areas for loading and unloading farm inputs, anchorage points for rafts and boats, construction areas for cage components, comfort rooms, and waste disposal zones. A one-stop-shop center will also be established to streamline administrative and logistical processes for stakeholders.
