Department of Agriculture’s (DA’s) Undersecretary for Agri-Industrialization and for Fisheries Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero led the Launching of Aquanegosyo Technology Incubator for FMA 6 on December 11, 2021 at the National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center based at Bonoan Binloc, Dagupan City, Pangasinan.
With an aim to modernize fish farming through technological innovations and optimize profit of fisherfolk while at the same time harness its potential as a livelihood for fishing communities, the project would also maximize partnership and collaboration among the fishery stakeholders as well as various agencies.
In her message during the launching ceremony, Usec Caballero underscored the essential elements that would make the aqua technology business incubator realize its goal through the collective efforts of the local government units and government agencies working together thru the said project.
The Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) for instance shall provide funding capital thru its loan assistance program payable in five years with no collateral and interest. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) thru the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and with other financing institutions shall also provide working capital to fisherfolk on the Aquanegosyo project they would want to venture.
Among the three important services, the project shall provide to the beneficiaries which include training, technology building, and service-based model mechanism, Usec. Caballero noted the essential role of TESDA or the Technical Education on Skills Development Authority on the capacity building and skills development of the fisherfolk on fish deboning.
The hiring of Aquanegosyo Technology Incubator Manager, who shall orchestrate the necessary systems and mechanism of the project for a smooth implementation of the project is also emphasized by Usec Caballero.
Meanwhile, part of the launching activity is also the awarding and distribution of various interventions from DA to project recipients and beneficiaries which include vegetables, corn seeds, farm implements, and machinery, among others.
Financial assistance from PCIC for some ASF affected raisers were also distributed and the awarding of prize to Mr. Darius Noces, a farmer-listener from Villasis, Pangasinan as the winner of the Agri-Trivia contest in the weekly virtual presser of IATF TG on Food Security conducted by the Strategic Communications Office of DA.
