CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — Fisherfolk and aquaculture producers in the MIMAROPA region are set to benefit from faster fish disease detection and improved water quality testing as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) MIMAROPA officially launched the construction of its Regional Fisheries Integrated Laboratory in Barangay Sapul, Calapan City.

The new facility is designed to strengthen fish health management and support sustainable aquaculture by providing science-based diagnostic and monitoring services. Once operational, it will help prevent disease outbreaks, improve aquaculture productivity, and enhance fish supply for both domestic consumption and export markets across the region.

BFAR MIMAROPA OIC–Regional Director Roberto R. Abrera said the project will bring essential technical services closer to fish farmers in Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.

“Malaking tulong ito sa ating mga mangingisda at fish farmers dahil mas mapapabilis ang pagtukoy sa sakit ng isda at maagapan ang pagkalugi. Layunin nating mapanatili ang sapat at ligtas na suplay ng isda sa rehiyon,” Abrera said.

The four-storey laboratory, covering approximately 600 square meters, will be built within the BFAR regional compound. It will house facilities for molecular diagnostics, histopathology, environmental monitoring, and water quality assessment—key services needed to detect fish diseases early and respond effectively to emerging aquaculture risks.

The project is funded under Sub-Component 2.3 of the Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments (MARLIN) component of the Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency Program (FishCoRe), a flagship initiative of the Department of Agriculture–BFAR supported by the World Bank and the national government.

In a BFAR MIMAROPA social media post, BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig said the laboratory is part of the agency’s broader effort to modernize fisheries infrastructure and strengthen disease surveillance systems nationwide.

Local government units also welcomed the initiative. Former Bongabong mayor Elegio Malaluan, who donated the land for the project, said the laboratory will play a vital role in protecting fisheries resources and sustaining coastal livelihoods.

Once completed, the facility is expected to directly benefit at least 583 fisheries households and establishments, while indirectly supporting around 1,000 households across 48 municipalities and one city in the MIMAROPA region. Construction is targeted to be completed within 270 days, marking a significant step toward a more resilient and science-driven fisheries sector. [via PIA]

Via: Sibey Store