The DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Bikol together with the Local Government of Libon, Albay formally held its groundbreaking ceremony to lead to the construction of the 31 million Multi-species Marine Hatchery in Brgy. Pantao, Libon, Albay on June 15, 2023.
BFAR National Assistant Director Isidro M. Velayo Jr., Congressman Fernando Didi Cabredo, Representative of the 3rd District of Albay and Libon Mayor Wilfredo V. Maronilla jointly led the ceremonial event along with RD Ariel U. Pioquinto, BFAR Regional Directors Rosario Segundina Gaerlan of Region 1, Edward Yasay of Region X, and BFAR 5 and LGU officials and staff.
In his message, Assistant Director Isidro M. Velayo Jr. said that the construction of the second legislated multi-species marine hatchery in Libon will accelerate the aquaculture development in the region, contributing to the fry requirements of Bicol in the realization of President Bongbong Marcos’ directive to increase fish production by 10 percent.
Libon Mayor Wilfredo V. Maronilla expressed his gratitude to BFAR and the House of Representatives for the realization of the project which will address the lacking fingerlings and fry demand not only in Libon but also the neighboring towns and provinces.
The establishment of the Libon Multi-species Marine Hatchery was made possible by virtue of Republic Act 11807 with Congressman Didi Cabredo as author, to address food security, promote sustainable development of fisheries resources and secure seedlings for fish culture operation.
