Tuesday, December 23, 2008 BFAR pushes Pangasius production By Joy Romares-Sevilla
THE regional office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Southern Mindanao will be at the forefront in pushing for the production of the Pangasius (Cream Dory), a catfish specie from Vietnam.
George Campeon, BFAR-Southern Mindanao regional director, said in an interview that his office will include Pangasius in the bureau's promotion next year after such specie was considered as one of the most promising industries for freshwater production.
"Pangasius has gained support from the business sector. It was promoted during the Mindanao Investment Conference recently held in Davao City.
For our part, we will try to establish nurseries for Pangasius in some selected areas in Davao Region," Campeon said.
He added that BFAR needs to establish nurseries considering that Pangasius is a freshwater specie and that Davao Region has not enough freshwater water resources for its production.
"Mas malaki rin kasi ang harvest kung nasa cage itong specie na ito," Campeon said.
Aside from Pangasius, Campeon claimed that the bureau will also promote "Ulang" or freshwater shrimp next year.
"We believe that these species are suitable for the region," he said, adding that with the promotion of the species, BFAR expects to generate more employment and investments.
