By Kenneth Marcos 
Inside the ponds and classrooms of a fisheries center, young technicians and fish growers listened closely as science met daily livelihood. For communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the humble mudfish could mean more food on the table and a steadier source of income.
To help raise aquaculture production in the region, the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute–Brackishwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (NFRDI-BFRDC) conducted a three-day training on the Breeding and Culture Technology of Mudfish from December 10 to 12, 2025. The activity was funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of BARMM as part of efforts to strengthen food security and livelihood opportunities in the region.
Mudfish, locally known as dalag, is one of the most resilient freshwater fish in the country. It can survive in low-oxygen waters and adapt to different environments, making it suitable for small-scale and backyard aquaculture. Because of these traits, experts see strong potential for mudfish farming in BARMM, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas where resources are limited.
The training focused on improving participants’ understanding of mudfish biology and modern breeding methods. Resource speakers Clark Adrian Abao and Faith Loraine Magbanua shared technical knowledge on the life cycle of mudfish, proper broodstock selection, and pond preparation. A key part of the discussion was induced breeding, a technique that helps ensure a steady supply of fingerlings by controlling spawning under managed conditions.
According to the speakers, induced breeding can help reduce dependence on wild-caught fry, which often leads to unstable supply and environmental pressure on natural waters. By learning this method, fish growers and technicians can produce quality fingerlings year-round, leading to more reliable harvests and higher yields.
Participants also learned best practices in mudfish culture, including feeding management, water quality control, and disease prevention. These topics are critical to reducing losses and improving survival rates, especially for beginners in aquaculture. Trainers stressed that good management not only increases production but also lowers costs, helping small farmers earn more.
Officials from NFRDI-BFRDC said the training is part of a broader push to promote science-based aquaculture in underserved regions. BARMM has vast inland and coastal water resources, yet many communities still rely on traditional fishing methods and seasonal catch. Aquaculture offers an alternative that can provide year-round food and income, even during bad weather or fishing bans.
The Ministry of Science and Technology in BARMM supported the project to ensure that local communities benefit from research and innovation. By investing in skills training, the ministry aims to empower local workers, reduce poverty, and support sustainable development in the region.
For many participants, the training opened new possibilities. With proper knowledge and support, mudfish farming can be started in small ponds, rice fields, or backyard tanks. This makes it accessible to families who may not have large capital or land.
As climate change and population growth continue to put pressure on food systems, experts say resilient species like mudfish will play a growing role in ensuring food security. Strengthening local capacity through training and research remains key to turning this potential into lasting benefits.
With continued support from government agencies and research institutions, mudfish aquaculture could become a reliable source of nutrition and livelihood for many BARMM communities in the years ahead.
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