GUIMARAS — The Igdarapdap Fisherfolk Association (IGFA) recorded a successful milkfish harvest of 3,837 kilograms on January 10, 2026, marking a significant milestone in its aquaculture operations and contributing to the local economy.
The harvest forms part of the second production cycle under the Aquaculture and Mariculture Expansion and Invigoration Project (AMEIP) of the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region VI (DA-BFAR-6).
The milkfish were harvested from one of the association’s four High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) fish cage units, generating a gross income of P641,997.50.
A portion of the harvest was sold locally in Guimaras, while some were transported to the Iloilo Fishing Port for wider market distribution. The remaining three fish cages are expected to yield a comparable volume later this semester.
Data from BFAR-6 showed that the second production cycle recorded an eight-percent increase in gross sales compared to the first cycle, which earned P592,360.00 over a six-month culture period. The higher income was achieved in just five months, reflecting improved production efficiency and management practices by the association.
Launched in 2024, the AMEIP introduced modern aquaculture techniques to Nueva Valencia, with IGFA beginning milkfish culture in early 2025. During the first production cycle, the association harvested a total of 12.5 metric tons of milkfish from all four cages, generating P1,886,065.00 in gross sales.
For the current cycle, total operational expenses amounted to P528,552.25, resulting in a net income of P113,445.25 for the association. The earnings will help sustain daily operations and fund the purchase of feeds and fingerlings worth P490,000.00 for the third production cycle.
The IGFA, composed of 16 members, continues to support local livelihoods, enhance food security, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices in the province.
With successive productive harvests under the AMEIP, the association is expected to further strengthen its contribution to Guimaras’ fisheries sector and the regional economy./PN
