By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the bright morning sun along the shores of Batangas, ten local fishermen gathered eagerly on October 22, 2025. They were ready to learn new skills that could change their lives—how to raise and breed maliputo, a native freshwater fish prized for its taste and economic value.
This training is part of the “Enhanced Grow-out Culture Technology for Small-scale Operation of Maliputo” project, led by the Department of Agriculture’s National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI). The initiative is funded by the DA’s Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR).
During the event, the fishermen not only received hands-on training but also fishing equipment to help boost their production. The goal is to introduce sustainable aquaculture methods that will allow small-scale fishers to grow maliputo in controlled environments, improving fish supply and increasing their income.
An important highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among partner agencies. This formal agreement strengthens cooperation to promote the technology for maliputo culture and to support the community’s livelihood development.
Maliputo, also known as giant freshwater trevally, is a high-value fish that grows naturally in some Philippine lakes and rivers. However, overfishing and habitat loss have reduced wild stocks, making sustainable farming crucial for its future. By training local fishermen in aquaculture techniques, DA-NFRDI aims to conserve this species while providing economic opportunities.
The program aligns with the government’s push to empower small fishers through science-based technology and to ensure food security. It also offers a model for other communities seeking to develop alternative sources of income through sustainable fishing practices.
As the fishermen of Batangas start applying their new skills, the hope is that they will become stewards of both the environment and their livelihood—helping secure a better future for their families and the wider community.
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