The City Agriculturist’s Office (CAgRO) reported that Davao City produced a total of 408.86 metric tons of tilapia and hito fingerlings as of June 2025, underscoring the city’s steady performance in aquaculture despite weather-related challenges.
According to Aimee Evora, head of CAgRO’s Fisheries Division, tilapia accounted for 385.99 metric tons, while hito (catfish) contributed 22.87 metric tons. In addition to fingerlings production, the city also recorded 390 metric tons from mariculture and 665 metric tons from municipal fishing.
Evora noted that the lifting of the fishing closed season had minimal impact on municipal fisherfolk, as most are engaged in fish cage operations. However, she cited the habagat (southwest monsoon) season as a persistent challenge, disrupting fishing activities due to unfavorable weather conditions.
In terms of losses, eight fish farmers were affected by the flash floods on September 13, with damages estimated at ₱375,700. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) is expected to provide assistance, including the distribution of replacement fingerlings.
Despite these setbacks, aquaculture production remains stable, thanks to the ongoing rollout of fingerlings under Project LAWA (Local Aquatic Resources Development). The initiative established 30 sites in 2024, benefiting around 1,500 individuals. In 2025, an additional 16 sites were developed across various barangays, supporting approximately 800 more beneficiaries.
As of August 2025, the city has distributed a total of 100,000 tilapia fingerlings and 50,000 hito fingerlings through procurement, while an additional 259,800 fingerlings were produced and distributed from the city’s own hatchery.
In a move to further boost local aquaculture, Evora announced that the office is currently awaiting the second committee hearing for a proposed ordinance seeking to establish two agricultural parks in Lasang and Matina Aplaya. These areas would be officially declared mariculture parks, aimed at attracting investments and expanding fish production capacity in Davao City.
“If we rely solely on our own production, we won’t be able to supply the entire Davao City,” Evora said in Cebuano during the ISpeak media forum held on Thursday.
She emphasized that the declaration of mariculture zones would empower communities to expand their production areas and reduce the city’s dependence on fish supplies from General Santos City and Davao Oriental.
As of August 2025, CAgRO has recorded:
• 1,499 registered fisherfolk
• 854 registered motorized bancas
• 108 non-motorized bancas
• 962 registered fishing boat operators
These figures reflect the significant role of small-scale and municipal fishing in the city’s economy and food security landscape.
