[ Manila Bulletin Online ] November 5, 2008
SEAFDEC, BFAR support 500-hectare aquaculture project
By BEN D. ARCHE
DAVAO CITY — Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon led other officials and heads of government agencies in inaugurating the 500-hectare Pujada Bay mariculture park in the City of Mati.
The mariculture park, the first of its kind in province, is expected to boost the economy of Davao Oriental because it is expected to attract both local and foreign investors to engage in aquaculture ventures.
Governor Malanyaon said she has secured the support of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) for the mariculture project.
SEAFDEC chief Dr. Joebert Toledo and other SEAFDEC officials participated in the launching of the Pujada Bay Mariculture Park located off Sitio Baso, Barangay Badas, City of Mati.
The SEAFDEC is a regional organization whose mandate is to promote fisheries development in Southeast Asia.
Rodolph de Guzman, technical adviser of Gov. Malanyaon, said the Pujada Bay project has received P2.5 million in initial funding from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
De Guzman said the provincial government is planning to replicate the project in 10 other municipalities in Davao Oriental.
Provincial Board Member Laureano Taya, chairman of the fisheries and aquatic committee, said the provincial government has entered into an agreement with three groups that will co-manage the project.
The Pujada Bay Mariculture Park will be managed by the provincial government of Davao Oriental, the city government of Mati, BFAR and the SEAFDEC, Taya said.
With the revitalization of the aquaculture industry in the province, Malanyaon said she plans to create the Davao Oriental Aquaculture Development Authority which would regulate the operations of the local aquaculture industry.
The provincial government will formulate and pass a Fisheries Code for the province.
