17/07/2026
๐ฆ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐๐
๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ป๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐น๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ ๐ง๐ถ๐น๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐พ๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐น๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐ป๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐
Twenty-two (22) fisherfolk from Brgy. Malobago and Brgy. Dampigan in Dolores, Eastern Samar, participated in a Tilapia Learning Visit in Samar to gain firsthand knowledge of sustainable tilapia production systems and innovative aquaculture technologies.
The learning visit was facilitated by Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya (SIKAT) under the SHARPER 2.0 Project. The activity aimed to expose partner fisherfolk to various tilapia production systems through field observation, knowledge sharing, and interaction with successful fish farmers and community-managed aquaculture projects. It was conducted through the collaborative efforts of the Municipal Agriculturist's Office of Dolores, the Municipal Agriculturist's Offices of the host municipalities, and the Provincial Fisheries Office of Samar, with the support of the Provincial Governor of Samar. By visiting different production sites, the participants gained practical insights into sustainable aquaculture practices that can be adopted to improve fish production, enhance livelihoods, and contribute to food security in their communities.
The participants assembled at the designated meeting point along Diversion Road in Brgy. Lokilocon before proceeding to the first learning site in Brgy. Lawaan, Paranas, Samar. The group visited the freshwater tilapia farm of Mr. Felix A. Cerdiรฑa, where they learned about pond preparation, stocking procedures, feeding management, water quality maintenance, and harvesting techniques. Participants also observed the farm's day-to-day operations and gained a deeper understanding of how proper management contributes to improved fish growth, increased production efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
The group then traveled to Brgy. 2, Hinabangan, Samar, to visit the brackishwater aquaculture project managed by the Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (BFARMC) of San Jose. During the visit, BFARMC representatives discussed community-based fisheries management, environmental stewardship, water quality monitoring, and the collaborative efforts of the organization in sustaining fish production while protecting aquatic resources. The visit underscored the importance of community participation in ensuring the long-term success of aquaculture initiatives.
Following the morning activities, participants gathered in Brgy. Buray for lunch, providing an opportunity to exchange observations and discuss the valuable lessons gained from the site visits.
In the afternoon, the learning visit continued in Catbalogan City with a tour of the aquaculture facility of Mr. Edwin Romana, featuring an innovative solar-powered concrete tank tilapia production system. Participants learned how renewable energy can be integrated into aquaculture operations to reduce electricity costs while maintaining continuous water circulation and aeration. The visit also showcased the advantages of concrete tank culture, including improved water management, efficient feeding, easier monitoring of fish health, and enhanced biosecurity.
The learning experience was further enriched through the invaluable assistance of Sir Romeo Sultan of the Provincial Fisheries Office of Samar, who personally accompanied the delegation throughout the tour. More than facilitating access to the learning sites, Sir Romeo exemplified the genuine warmth and hospitality of the people of Samar. His guidance, generosity, and willingness to share his time ensured that participants were well-assisted throughout the activity, making the learning visit more meaningful, engaging, and memorable.
Throughout the activity, participants actively engaged in discussions with host farmers, technical personnel, and resource persons, exchanging ideas and experiences on tilapia production, farm management, and sustainable aquaculture practices. The opportunity to observe freshwater pond culture, community-managed brackishwater production, and solar-powered concrete tank technology provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse tilapia farming systems practiced in Samar.
The learning visit concluded with participants returning to their respective communities equipped with practical knowledge, enhanced technical skills, and renewed confidence to replicate the sustainable aquaculture innovations and best management practices they observed during the activity. By adapting these technologies to the local conditions in Dolores, Eastern Samar, the fisherfolk are expected to improve tilapia production, strengthen their livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable aquaculture development in their communities.
The SHARPER 2.0 Project is supported and funded by Oxfam Pilipinas.
