By Kenneth Marcos 
Along the quiet lakeside community of Taal, Batangas, a group of aquaculture entrepreneurs gathered with pride and excitement as they celebrated a milestone in their journey. For many of them, years of learning, experimenting, and building their small aquaculture ventures had finally led to a moment of recognition and new opportunity.
Seventeen aquaculture entrepreneurs officially became the first graduates of the AquaBiz School–Technology Business Incubation (ABS-TBI) Program of the Department of Agriculture’s National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI). The graduation ceremony was held on March 4 at the Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (FFRDC) in Butong, Taal, Batangas.
The event marked a historic milestone for the ABS-TBI program, which aims to help transform research-based technologies into real business opportunities in the fisheries sector. The initiative provides training, mentorship, and technical support to aspiring aquaculture entrepreneurs who want to turn innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises.
In her welcome message, NFRDI Executive Director Maria Theresa Mutia described the graduation as an important step not only for the participants but also for the program itself. She said the event highlights the institute’s growing role in helping convert science-driven research into practical agri-fisheries businesses that can benefit communities.
According to Mutia, the ABS-TBI program was designed to support individuals who want to develop aquaculture ventures based on modern technology and research. By combining scientific knowledge with entrepreneurship training, the program prepares participants to build businesses that can thrive in today’s competitive fisheries industry.
Representing Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr., Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero delivered a message to the graduates. She emphasized that the completion of the program reflects the graduates’ dedication to innovation and enterprise development.
Caballero told the graduates that they are proof that science-based innovation, when combined with determination and proper support, can create real economic opportunities. She said the training and technology adoption activities completed by the participants show they are now ready to become independent aquaculture entrepreneurs.
She added that their future businesses can contribute not only to their personal livelihoods but also to broader national goals such as food security, job creation, and inclusive growth in the fisheries sector.
Several key officials and partners attended the event to show support for the graduates and the program. Among them were Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Assistant Director Isidro Velayo Jr., BFAR Calabarzon Regional Director Sammy Malvas, BFAR FISHCORE Deputy Director Jessica Muñoz, and Batangas Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Rodrigo Bautista.
Representatives from fisherfolk organizations also participated, including members of the Kalipunan ng mga Mangingisdang Mangangalaga sa Lawa ng Taal, Inc., a group actively involved in protecting and supporting the sustainable use of Taal Lake’s resources.
The ABS-TBI program forms part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen the country’s fisheries sector. Through training and incubation programs, agencies hope to encourage more Filipinos to explore aquaculture as a viable and sustainable livelihood.
Aquaculture plays a critical role in the Philippines’ food supply, providing fish and other aquatic products to millions of households. As demand for seafood continues to grow, innovations in fish farming, feed technology, and resource management are becoming increasingly important.
Programs like ABS-TBI aim to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools needed to address these challenges while expanding economic opportunities in coastal and lakeside communities.
For the 17 graduates, the ceremony in Batangas symbolized more than just the completion of training. It marked the beginning of their journey as aquapreneurs ready to build businesses that can support families, strengthen local economies, and help secure the country’s future food supply.
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