Submitted by RM Staff on
The Dodan-Gaddang Irrigators' Association (IA) marked a significant milestone with the first harvest from their tilapia fishpond on February 12, 2025, in Aparri, Cagayan.
As a nominee in the Search for Outstanding IA under the National Irrigation System (NIS) in 2022 of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the Dodan-Gaddang IA was granted a ₱1 million reward to support the establishment of a livelihood program.
Utilizing this grant, the association developed two 720-square-meter fishponds, each measuring 12x60 meters. Construction began on March 19, 2024, and was completed by May 15, 2024.
10,000 tilapia fingerlings were stocked in the farm on August 5, 2024, provided by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). The initial harvest was conducted in one of the ponds, marking a promising start to their Tilapia farming operation.
To monitor the progress of this initiative, the NIA Regional Office II-Institutional Development Section (IDS), in collaboration with the Institutional Development Unit (IDU) and Engineering and Operations Unit of Magapit Pump Irrigation System (MPIS), conducted a site visit to the Dodan-Gaddang IA.
During an interview, Dodan-Gaddang IA President Mr. Eddie Malazzab expressed his gratitude, "Maraming salamat sa NIA na nagbigay sa amin ng ganitong oportunidad upang mapalawak ang aming kabuhayan. Malaking tulong po ito sa aming mga magsasaka upang madagdagan ang aming kita."
“Sa pamamagitan ng binigay ng NIA, kami po ay nagkaroon ng fishpond. Kasama ko po ang mga miyembro ng aming asosasyon dahil ngayon ay maghaharvest po kami ng Tilapia,” Mr. Malazzab added.
The project has now started yielding results, with the IA successfully harvesting 209 kilograms of tilapia. The fresh catch will be sold to local buyers at ₱150 per kilo, providing an additional source of income for the association and its members.
This program aligns with the NIA’s mandate to improve the lives of farmers. NIA Administrator Engr. Eduardo Eddie Guillen has been actively advocating for sustainable opportunities for farmers, leading to the implementation of the incentive program that recognizes and rewards outstanding IAs nationwide.