By Edalyn B. Acta
The proposed aquaculture feed mill plant in the Municipality of Panay is one step closer to reality as it awaits the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“The establishment of a feed mill in the province of Capiz will directly benefit our fish farmers by providing them with a steady supply of nutrient-rich and affordable feed,” said Senator Cynthia Villar.
The outgoing senator was the one who filed the senate counterpart of the house bill jointly filed by Congressman Emmanuel “Tawi” Billones of 1st District and Congresswoman Jane “Baby Jane” Castro of 2nd District.
Besides being the “Seafood Capital”, Capiz also has vast areas for fresh water fishing and the new feed mill plant in Panay would be an ideal facility.
This infrastructure is designed to reduce production costs and improve the livelihoods of local fish farmers.
The proposed feed mill aims to provide affordable, high-quality aquaculture feeds by helping fish farmers cope with rising feed costs—which account for up to 70% of their total production expenses.
“This initiative is a crucial step toward enhancing productivity, ensuring sustainability, and reducing the financial strain on local aquaculture producers,” Villar added.
With the impending law and its construction, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is set to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study.
Once completed, the feed mill will be operated and managed by the Capiz Provincial Government.
“This is not just about building infrastructure,” Villar noted.
“It’s about securing the future of our fisherfolk and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our aquaculture industry,” Villar added.
