The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 3 (Central Luzon) on Tuesday released some 130,000 tilapia fingerlings into Pampanga River as part of its continuing efforts to revitalize the aquaculture industry.

The dispersal activity was under the “Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa” or BASIL program that aims to increase the volume of fish catch gathered from lakes and river basins across the country.

BFAR-3 Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz said the dispersal seeks to increase productivity and eventually improve the living condition of fisherfolk in the province.

“This will help improve the productivity and sustainability of the lives of the fisherfolk in the province,” he said in a social media post.

Cruz asked the fisherfolk to observe safe, proper and environment-friendly fishing practices to ensure that the benefits of water resources are maximized.

Aside from this province, the BFAR-3 also dispersed tilapia and bangus fingerlings as well as other livelihood support in other parts of the region to ensure sustainable income for fisherfolk and their families.

Launched in 2017, the BASIL is a five-year project that aims to rehabilitate major inland bodies of water in the country.

It targets to disperse at least 210 million fingerlings nationwide in major lakes and river basins. (PNA)