‘iKalingas consume over 1.8 tons of adult tilapia daily’ – BFAR-Kalinga

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) – Kalinga said the province consumes an average of at least 1.8 to 2 tons of adult Tilapia daily.

One ton is equivalent to 1,000 kg. A kilo of Tilapia is at least 4-5 pieces of the fish. So where do these Tilapia come from?

Tilapia is one of the most widely farmed fish species, with over 4 million tons produced annually, and the province of Kalinga is one of those which love eating said fish.

Kalinga, according to the agency, mostly gets its supplies of Tilapia from the provinces of Ifugao, Isabela, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Cagayan.

Recently, BFAR-Kalinga has encouraged fisherfolk in the province to register and avail free services and fingerlings to be part in providing more fish to the consumers in the province.

If the province can boost its own Tilapia production, Provincial Agriculturist 1 Cliford L. Fernandez said it will help local producers boost local trade and commerce adding to the local economic growth as it will minimize the need for outside purchases.

“This is why BFAR is boosting the production of fish through giving free fingerlings and technology demonstration tapnu koma mismo nga Kalinga ti ag-supply idiay demand ti iKalingas.”

Fernandez said Tilapia farming is a viable income source, emphasizing its fast growth and ease of production cycle, requiring only 4-6 months to mature.