By Kenneth Marcos 
Inside a packed lecture hall at EARIST in Manila, students listened closely as a simple idea took shape: fish and plants growing together, helping each other thrive. For many young Filipinos studying the environment, the discussion offered more than theory. It showed a possible solution to hunger, climate change, and rising food costs.
Dr. Joseph Christopher Rayos, chief of the Aquaculture Research and Development Division of the Department of Agriculture’s National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, served as the main resource speaker at a specialized aquaponics seminar held on January 10, 2026. The event was organized by the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology and attended by graduate students taking up Environmental Science.
The seminar, titled “Feeding the Future: Using Aquaponics for Nutrition, Sustainability, and Climate Responsibility,” focused on how aquaponics can help address food security while protecting the environment. Aquaponics is a system that combines aquaculture, or fish farming, with hydroponics, which grows plants without soil. In this setup, waste from fish provides nutrients for plants, while the plants help clean the water for the fish.
Dr. Rayos explained that aquaponics uses less water than traditional farming and produces both fish and vegetables in a single system. This makes it ideal for urban areas, small communities, and schools where space and water are limited. He said the technology can be adapted for backyard use or scaled up for commercial production.
The discussion highlighted how aquaponics can support climate resilience. As extreme weather events become more frequent, food production systems that are efficient and less dependent on large land areas are becoming more important. Aquaponics can operate indoors or in controlled environments, reducing risks from floods, droughts, and heat.
Dr. Rayos also stressed the role of aquaponics in improving nutrition. By producing fresh fish and vegetables close to consumers, families and communities can access healthier food at lower cost. This is especially important for low-income households that often struggle with high food prices and limited access to nutritious options.
Students were encouraged to see aquaponics not just as a technology, but as a tool for community development. Dr. Rayos shared examples of how aquaponics projects can be used in schools, barangays, and livelihood programs. These projects can provide income, improve diets, and promote environmental awareness at the local level.
The seminar also touched on the role of government and research institutions in supporting sustainable food systems. The DA-NFRDI continues to conduct studies, training, and pilot projects to improve aquaculture practices and introduce innovative solutions like aquaponics to more Filipinos.
Faculty members said the seminar helped bridge classroom learning with real-world applications. For students preparing for careers in environmental science, agriculture, and development work, understanding practical solutions is key to making a difference on the ground.
As food security and climate challenges grow, experts believe that integrated systems like aquaponics will play a bigger role in the country’s future. By investing in knowledge and innovation today, the next generation of Filipino scientists and farmers may help ensure that no one is left hungry tomorrow.
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