Tupi, South Cotabato | October 3, 2025 – To boost the aquaculture livelihoods of local fish farmers by increasing their capacity to produce tilapia, a crucial source of nutrition and income, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) recently distributed 9,000 tilapia fingerlings to the Integrated Spring Fisherfolk Development Association in Barangay Cebuano, Tupi.
Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Raul D. Teves highlighted the vital role of agriculture and aquaculture in ensuring food security.
“We encourage the youth to develop a passion for agriculture and aquaculture. Without farmers and fisherfolk, our communities will lose the food that sustains us,” he said.
(Ginahangayo gid naton ang mga kabataan nga palanggaon ang agriculture, kay kung wala na mangunguma, wala na kita may makaon).
This fingerling distribution is part of OPAg’s ongoing efforts to boost fish production province-wide, ensuring a steady supply of affordable, nutritious protein while creating additional income for fisherfolk who depend on aquaculture as their main livelihood.
Members of the association expressed gratitude to the provincial government and OPAg, noting that this support is essential to sustaining continuous tilapia production in their community.
The program underscores the South Cotabato Provincial Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting agriculture and fisheries as key drivers of economic growth and food security. Through ongoing investment and support, the government aims to foster sustainable development, improve community welfare, and build resilience against future food shortages and economic challenges.
