Supervising Statistical Specialist (SSS) Nova P. Vicente of the Philippine Statistics Authority Davao de Oro presented the 2020-2022 Trends and Status of the Aquaculture Industry of the province during the Davao de Oro Aquaculture Stakeholders Convergence on 24 March 2023 conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)- Provincial Fishery Office at Mateo Hall, Comval Hotel, Poblacion, Nabunturan.

According to SSS Vicente, the volume of production in aquaculture dropped to 618.6 metric tons in 2022, a 24.3 percent decrease from its previous year’s output of 817.3 metric tons. Nevertheless, the production showed an uptrend of 8.0 percent compared to the year 2020, of 572.7 metric tons. The decrease in aquaculture was most notable in brackishwater and freshwater fishponds. Only marine cages indicated higher production last year. Similarly, the value of production in aquaculture declined by 17.7 percent in 2022, from Php 109.5 million to Php 90.1 million. In particular, the value of production for milkfish and catfish contracted, while the value of production for tilapia posted an increment.   

DTI is the partner of the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in convergence to support the aquaculture industry through the creation of market linkages and branding for the province. The said Aquaculture Stakeholders Convergence was participated in by DTI staff for business development, municipal fisheries technicians, and two (2) top aquafarm operators per municipality. The convergence hoped to come up with an organized group of aquafarm operators who are specifically engaged in the production of milkfish, tilapia, and P. vannamei by adopting a cluster approach, a proven strategy in promoting exports that sustains almost all agriculture and fisheries sector growth in the country.

For more information on Agricultural Statistics particularly on fisheries in Davao de Oro, please contact PSA Davao de Oro with telephone numbers (084) 817-0347 and (084) 817-0347, and email address davaodeoro@psa.gov.ph.