By Marcelo B. Lihgawon
MAYOYAO, Ifugao – – A P25 million-worth of Japanese loach or “yuyu” hatchery and training center will soon rise in this town to enhance the capacities and productivity of fisherfolk in breeding and propagation.
Local officials led by Governor Jerry U. Dalipog and Mayoyao Mayor Jimmy Padchanan, Jr and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) officials headed by Assistant Secretary of Drussila Esther Bayati and BFAR Cordillera Regional Director Lilibeth L. Signey recently spearheaded the groundbreaking of the said project.
Signey said the facility is part of the Inclusive Enterprise Development Support Project funded under the Bayanihan 2 or Bayanihan To Recover as One to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“PhP 21 million will be allotted for the building and P4M for the hatchery paraphernalia and other expenditures,” she informed.
“The project component includes rehabilitation of yu-yu hatchery, training of fisherfolk beneficiaries, and distribution of yu-yu fingerlings for growth-out in rice terraces”, she added.
Dalipog thanked BFAR and other agencies and personalities and the municipal government of Mayoyao for the realization of the project.
“It will be a great help to the people of Mayoyao and other nearby municipalities,” he said as he encouraged the people of Mayoyao to participate in the upcoming training and become “Yuyu” producers.
“The Japanese Weather Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) or locally known as dojo, yu-yu, panispis or pikaw, was introduced by the Japanese in the Philippines during World War II.
In Cordillera, the said fish species was historically abundant in rice paddies. However, due to commercialization, the production of the said species was depleted and now has a high market value. It is also said that the said species played a significant role in the nutrition of the populace because of its high protein content,” according to the BFAR release.
Mayor Padchanan committed their support to the industry that will benefit Mayoyao and other places. (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao with reports from OPV & BFAR)
