The first urban aqua farm of the technical education and skills development (Tesda) of the Philippine government has been inaugurated in its compound in Taguig City on March 15.
Tesda secretary Isidro Lapeña said the project signifies the importance of “farming in our urban areas, particularly to our marginalized sectors who can make farming as a source of their livelihood even if they are living in the city, without going to the remote farming areas.”
“For this urban aqua model farm, we only need an area of more than 70 square meters to establish a fish farm that can help feed a family. This program is definitely aligned with Tesda's thrust of global competitiveness, social equity and poverty reduction for the Filipinos,” he said in a statement.
The farm is built with one main fountain responsible for the water circulation and other surrounding “mini-fountains” to regulate the temperature, humidity and moisture of the water to ensure the optimal condition of the fish.
The farm will cultivate different species of tilapia which are relatively easier to harvest and with good growth rate. Water cabbage, lotus and water grass (isay) will be grown inside the pool to help oxygenate the pond to keep the fish healthy.
Tesda said various plant crops such as Chinese malunggay, eggplant, okra, tomatoes, bell pepper, chili (siling labuyo, siling panigang and siling demonyo), lemon, calamansi and passion fruit have also been planted around the farm.
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