The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) awarded a P4.5-million facilities development grant to Pangasinan State University-Binmaley Campus (PSU-BC) for the upgrade of its mangrove crab hatchery facility.
The improved hatchery facility in PSU-BC is expected to produce at least 480,000 crablets per year. Crablets at PSU-BC are being sourced from outside the province, such as from Bicol, Cagayan and the Visayas.
The availability of reliable seed stock has been a major challenge that hampered the expansion of the mangrove crab industry in the region.
“As one of our valued partners in the region, PSU’s strength in fisheries research and development [R&D] is highly recognized by DOST-PCAARRD. As such, we shall continue this partnership not only in R&D activities but also in its capacity-building initiatives,” said Dr. Juanito T. Batalon, former Institution Development Division (IDD) director of DOST-PCAARRD during the recent groundbreaking ceremonies of the PCAARRD-PSU Mangrove Crab Hatchery Project in Binmaley, Pangasinan.
Also present during the ceremonies were PSU Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Virgilio C. Barongan; PSU-BC Executive Director Dr. Jessica J. Jimenez; PSU Director for Special Projects Dr. Rolando B. Cerezo; and PCAARRD-IDD Facilities Development and Management Unit Head Engr. Ruel Carlo L. Tanqueco.
Through the support of DOST-PCAARRD, PSU-BS has adopted and refined the technology on commercial scale mangrove crab hatchery system developed by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center. S&T Media Services
Thus, besides the construction of the hatchery facility, the DOST-PCAARRD grant will also enable identified PSU-BC personnel to be further trained at the Seafdec facility in Iloilo on mangrove crab hatchery operations, and will also allow the engagement of a hatchery facility consultant from the same institution.
Plans and specifications for the hatchery facility are being finalized. PSU-BC kicked-off the bidding of the project in July.