At a processing plant in Dagupan City in this undated photo. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has assured that the Ilocos Region’s aquaculture production remains sufficient despite recent weather disturbances and rising temperatures. (Photo by Hilda Austria)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Ilocos regional office has assured that the region’s aquaculture production remains sufficient despite recent weather disturbances and rising temperatures.
At a forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency on Friday, BFAR Ilocos Region director Rosario Segundina Gaerlan said the region has a self-sufficiency rate of over 100 percent, with Pangasinan contributing the majority of the fish supply.
According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Ilocos Region recorded an aquaculture production of over 62,000 metric tons in 2024, with Pangasinan alone producing 57,895 metric tons.
“We focus more on aquaculture compared to other regions that rely heavily on capture fishing,” Gaerlan said.
Milkfish remains the top cultured species, followed by tilapia, white shrimp, oysters, seaweeds, other shrimp varieties, and catfish.
Gaerlan said the high heat index may have little effect on the production of the region since the growers have adapted to practices during the dry season.
There are over 136,000 fisherfolk in the region, including those in aquaculture production, processors, and sellers, among others. (PNA)
