The meeting attended by 12 different entities from private growers and government agencies was organized by USAid – Growth with Equity in Mindanao. Among the participants were Mega Sardines Company, BFAR, Ms. Jinky Flores and Prince Garlit of the ACIAR funded grouper project of Gata Daku MPC, Ms. Mae Yen Poblete of MOAVEC, Mr. Roberto Ballon from Kabasalan, Zambaonga-Sibugay who was a BFAR awardee for Outstanding Fisherfolk for grouper and oyster production, Mr. Mario Ferraren of MOAP hatchery, and a number of private grouper growers assisted by USAid-GEM in Tawi-tawi and Sulu among others. It was held in USAid-GEM office in Zamboanga City last February 12, 2008.
The main purpose of the assembly was to expand the network of high valued aqua culture industry especially grouper growers in Mindanao. USAid-GEM presented the current status of the high valued aquaculture industry showing, showing that there has been an approximately $100million market demand but the supply is only about 2% of the demand especially in international market. Being the organizer of the said meeting, USAid-GEM facilitated the sharing of experiences regarding the culture of high valued species from among the attendees.
There was also a short workshop to establish the success stories, problems in marketing and what can be done to it. On of the problems that is common to all was the supply of fingerlings for culture, volume of harvest and the logistics because air freight is quite expensive. In the end, the meeting created a body called High Valued Aquaculture Industry Convenor (HIVIC), this body elected Mr. Ferraren as the Chair. MOAVEC is designated Area Coordinator of high valued aquaculture growers in Panguil and Iligan Bay area. HIVIC will have its next assembly in MOAP this April 15, 2009 to conduct strategic planning.
- FOR inquiries please contact moavec@gmail.com or call and text 09218186254 /09194194315.
