Address food insufficiency, price increases
TACLOBAN CITY– The mayor of Borongan City, Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, has called on his people to venture into agripreneurship, particularly fish farming, as part of the city’s ‘Dukwag Agrikultura’ program.
“I really appeal that we engage in entrepreneurial business for our food security,” Mayor Agda said in a Viber interview.
The rising prices of fish stem from the city’s insufficient local production, an issue that could be addressed if more Boronganons took up fish farming, the city mayor added.
The mayor reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for fish farming as a key strategy for the city’s food security. “It is in line with the city’s vision to make basic needs affordable for ordinary people,” he said.
“Fish farming has already shown success, but our efforts to convince more people to engage in agricultural entrepreneurship must continue. We must not rest until those who participate in the Dukwag Agrikultura program achieve financial independence,” he added.
To support this initiative, Mayor Agda encouraged residents to take advantage of the ‘Dukwag Agrikultura’ program, assuring them that assistance would be readily available.
“If you encounter problems, do not hesitate to inform my office so we can find solutions. This does not only apply to ‘Dukwag’ but to all services of the city,” he added.
According to Mayor Agda, some residents have already started fish caging for bangus (milkfish) farming.
He shared that, based on monitoring by the City Agriculturist Office, bangus grown in fish cages along Borongan’s coastal areas thrive naturally due to the abundance of plankton, their primary food source.
“The quality of Borongan’s bangus can even rival the famed Dagupan bangus,” he said, expressing optimism that this could serve as a strong foundation for the success of the ‘Dukwag Agrikultura’ ordinance, which aims to boost food production and security in the city.
Mayor Agda also urged residents to support local fishermen by purchasing their catch, emphasizing that experiencing the taste and quality of Borongan’s bangus firsthand would further promote its value.
Currently, fish cages for bangus can be found in the villages of Punta Maria, Takyang, parts of Tabunan, and Canlaray.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
