Extension and training programs in support of tilapia farming in the Philippines

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), now a staff bureau of the Department of Agriculture (DA), is an agency mandated to look after the national development and management of the fishing industry. It constantly demonstrated its sensitivity towards the attainment of improving the lot of poor fish farmers and fishermen in the countryside. \nFisheries, as a major sector of agriculture is expected to push the country s Economic Recovery Program and must be developed to realize its potential contribution. This sector contributed 4.7% at current prices to the Gross National Product (GNP) and 5.0% on constant prices in 1985. \nThe fishing industry directly employs an estimated one million fishfarmers and fishermen. Indirectly, the industry provides employment to household members who are engaged in allied fisheries industries like fish processing, net making, boat building, ice plant and cold storage operation, fish handling, marketing and fish distribution.