THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated P5 million ($89,500) in aquaculture equipment for tilapia breeders in Ilocos Norte as part of its commitment “to boost innovation, education, and economic development in the region.”
The grant included essential equipment like a generator, solar-powered light, oxygen tank, submersible pump, aerator, sewing machine, and fish fingerlings.
The tools are meant to boost the beneficiaries’ tilapia production by 20 percent through stable electricity, increased fish stock, and improved overall efficiency of the fish farms.
In addition, fish cages were provided to 70 fishermen from Pasuquin, Bangui, and Pagudpud, whose equipment was damaged by Super Typhoon Julian.
This support forms part of USAID’s P41-million grant to Impl. Project Philippines, aimed at creating conservation-based livelihoods, managing marine protected areas, and advancing research on seaweed and aquaculture farming in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, and Palawan.
“The United States is proud to support fishers in Ilocos Norte with tools that can increase their income and create resilient communities,” USAID Philippines Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks said.
