Shrimp seen as prime product of Sarangani

By APRIL JANE UGSAD

ALABEL, Sarangani (June 16, 2014) — The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) sees Sarangani as an excellent producer of shrimp, next to the sea-caged milkfish, in the country.

According to OPAG provincial fisheries coordinator Faith Villanueva, Sarangani is a promising location for shrimp growing in Sarangani Bay area.

“As of now, we are encouraging aquafarmers and potential shrimp farmers to invest in the shrimp growing industry,” said Villanueva during the 1st Business Opportunities in Growing L. vannamei Shrimp seminar.

Guest growers Allan Mirasol and Arlin Aguillar rented a farm in Baliton, Glan, just recently. Construction in their farm has been going on for two weeks now.

Aguillar said that shrimp growing is a new opportunity for her since her previous business in Davao slowed down.

“We considered the land area here in Sarangani and it is fit for shrimp farming specifically vannamei,” Mirasol said. “We’re here to learn more about how to farm shrimps more effectively. We need to learn quick because demands are increasing.”

Meanwhile, OPAG has tied up with Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) Philippines Corporation to introduce to growers the technology, which small time farmers can adapt in their shrimp farming.

Marjun Villanueva, general manager of Shrimps and Feed Sales of CPF Phil. Corp., and his team are willing to help the small time shrimp growers in the province to properly farm shrimp.

“Shrimp growing can help depressed areas in Glan and Malapatan to improve their livelihood,” added Villanueva.

Inviting more investors to put up businesses in the province is one of the priorities of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon as investments would help boost the economic activity in Sarangani. (April Jane Ugsad/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)