KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 5–As part of the celebration of its 73rd anniversary, the Department of Agriculture (DA) -Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 12 launched on Thursday the Urban Aquaculture Program in Region 12.

DA 12 Regional Executive Director Arlan Mangelen graced the said event as guest speaker and led the unveiling of the project “Urban Aquaponics” that is being established in front of BFAR 12 Building in Brgy. Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City.

In his speech, the director said, “Sa tamang programa at proyekto para sa ating mga kababayan, makasisiguro tayong di magkukulang ang suplay natin sa pagkain dito sa rehiyon.”

“Hindi pwedeng paghiwalayin ang pagsasaka at pangingisda. Ito ang mga mahahalagang sektor na nagpapahalaga ng ating survival ngayong panahon ng pandemya,” Director Mangelen added.

He further challenged the BFAR 12 employees headed by Director Usop D. Pendaliday Jr. to implement programs that would improve the plight of every fisher saying “Ipagpatuloy nating tulungan ang bawat mangingisda tungo sa isang masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita.”

The urban aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics that grows fishes and plants together in one integrated system. It is one of the government’s newest projects in ensuring sustainable food production in urban communities during this time of global pandemic.

This year’s anniversary revolves on the theme “Improved Service Quality and Strong Partnerships towards Fish Sufficiency”. (DA-RFO XII, RAFIS)