By Jesselle S Laranas
The Philippines.- The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) awarded a 4.5 million-facilities development grant to Pangasinan State University – Binmaley Campus (PSU-BC) for the upgrade of its mangrove crab hatchery facility.
The improved hatchery facility in PSU-BS is expected to produce at least 480,000 crablets per year, which as of the moment are being sourced from outside the province such as Bicol, Cagayan, and the Visayas. The availability of reliable seedstock has been a major challenge that hampered the expansion of the mangrove crab industry in the region.
“As one of our valued partners in the region, PSU’s strength in fisheries research and development is highly recognized by DOST-PCAARRD. As such, we shall continue this partnership not only in R&D activities but also in its capacity building initiatives,” said Dr. Juanito T. Batalon, former Institution Development Division (IDD) Director of DOST-PCAARRD during the groundbreaking ceremonies of the PCAARRD-PSU Mangrove Crab Hatchery Project on June 20, 2018 in Binmaley, Pangasinan.
Also present during the ceremonies were PSU Vice President for Research and Extension, Dr. Virgilio C. Barongan; PSU-BC Executive Director, Dr. Jessica J. Jimenez; PSU Director for Special Projects, Dr. Rolando B. Cerezo; and PCAARRD-IDD Facilities Development and Management Unit Head, Engr. Ruel Carlo L. Tanqueco.
Through the support of DOST-PCAARRD, PSU-BS has adopted and refined the technology on commercial scale mangrove crab hatchery system developed by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC). Thus, aside from the construction of the hatchery facility, the DOST-PCAARRD grant will also enable identified PSU-BC personnel to be further trained at the SEAFDEC facility in Iloilo on mangrove crab hatchery operations, and will also allow the engagement of a hatchery facility consultant from the same institution.
Plans and specifications for the hatchery facility are being finalized, but PSU-BC is expected to kick-off the bidding of the project by July 2018.
* DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Services
