TABUK CITY, Kalinga (PIA) — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has recently released freshwater eel fingerlings in various creeks in Lubuagan in Kalinga as part of the government’s efforts to enhance inland fisheries and strengthen food security.
Four kilograms of eel fingerlings were released in strategic waterways in the municipality—in the Boutigue Creek in Barangay Mabilong, Sewap Creek in Poblacion, and Teyob and Poway creeks in Barangay Dangoy.
BFAR Provincial Fishery Officer Joyce Docyogen said this aims to restore the declining wild eel population in rivers and creeks in the upland areas of the province.
“This is a continuing effort to ensure that eel populations remain viable in our rivers and creeks while also helping communities increase fish production,” Docyogen said.
The activity forms part of the fisheries enhancement component of the Heirloom Rice and Loach Program administered by BFAR, which seeks to repopulate inland water bodies with indigenous species, boost local fish production, and support fisherfolk livelihoods.
In addition, BFAR distributed fishery materials to 26 fisherfolk beneficiaries from Barangays Mabilong, Upper Uma, and Western Uma.
The assistance included 26 cooler boxes, 26 roll nets, 52 critch, and fish cages, aimed at improving the local fisherfolk’s fishing efficiency and post-harvest handling, according to BFAR. Philipine Information Agency Cordillera- Kalinga