European market a target for organinc bangus, tilapia

Elena U. Haw, chair of the Federation of Business Chambers Mindanao Foundation, said the province's business sector will support local government efforts for organic accreditation of the fishery products to land in the European Union.

"If we can have it accredited as organically-grown, mind you, we can export it to the European Union," she said.

Haw said she was told by an international fishery consultant that fishery products grown naturally, particularly bangus, is in demand in Europe.

In Sultan Kudarat, bangus and tilapia production at Lutayan town grown at the vast Lake Buluan is a multi-million peso business.

They thrived through the planktons or algae abundant in the estimated 17,000-hectare Lake Buluan that also straddles the town of Buluan in Maguindanao province.

Haw said they would promote Lutayan’s fishery potentials in the upcoming 2nd Socsksargen Business Conference with a theme "Seizing Regional and Global Opportunities: Enhancing Agribusiness Competitiveness."

It is slated on April 16 to 21, with the summit proper on April 19 and 20 hosted by the Sultan Kudarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (SKCCIFI).

Socsksargen stands for South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City.

Aside from the naturally grown bangus and tilapia at Lutayan town, Haw said they will promote investments in the area of coffee and oil palm farming during the business conference.

Naturally grown bangus and tilapia at Lake Buluan grows to as large as one kilo apiece.

Since they are not fed with commercial feeds laced with chemicals, the fishes stayed deep at the lake for eight to 10 months at cages before they are harvested.