BFAR shells out P3.8M for oyster farming

CEBU, Philippines — To provide livelihood options for fisherfolks in Central Visayas, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-7 has allocated ?3.8 million to develop the shellfish industry, particularly oyster farming.

Six fisherfolk associations, totaling 90 individuals, were able to benefit from oyster production projects in Cebu Province last year. They were able to utilize rafts, mainly used for oyster farming, valued at ?30,000.

In 2024 alone, Central Visayas reported an oyster production of 285 metric tons, including both meat and shell.

In the Radyo Pilipinas program, BFAR-7 shellfish focal person Elisa Cequiña said the program also provided ?2 million through the Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCore) initiative for a similar project in Bohol this year.

The oyster production sites in Cebu are located in Bogo City, Medellin, and San Remigio, areas impacted by the closed fishing season in the Visayan Sea. The National Shellfish and Livelihood Project, aimed at providing alternative livelihoods, has set up five sites across these three places.

Cequiña highlighted the advantages of this kind of farming, noting that it requires minimal maintenance after initial setup and no additional feeds.

“Ang kanindot aning oyster farming kay no need of feeds, starting lang g’yud na unya monitoring,” she said.

She further urged beneficiaries to continue farming efforts and maintain the rafts provided.

“Kaning pagpamuhi sa talaba kinahanglan lang g’yud siya ug pasensya. Kung kinsa tong ganahan mobuhi, kay kasagaran man gud natong mananagat kay manguha lang ta kung unsa ang naa sa atong seas,” she said.

She added that brackish waters, where fresh and saltwater mix, are the most suitable environments for oysters. However, farmers should ensure that the water is free from predators like starfish, barnacles, sea anemones, and crabs that feed on young oysters.

“Need sad nga naa sa bay kay protected sa hangin and water current dili kusog. Need pud na green ang tubig kay meaning naay kan-onon ang talaba. Green are planktons which is mao ilang kaonon,” Cequiña added.

The harvest is sold for ?50 to ?60 per kilo, and products have already been displayed at Kadiwa fund markets. — (FREEMAN)