In the Philippines, the growth in milkfish production is linked to its abundant water

resources. With vast wetlands, fishponds, and inland areas suitable for fish farming, along with a

long coastline, mariculture parks have been developed to boost production. These parks,

strategically located on the east and west coasts, provide facilities for investors. The goal is to

increase fish production, attract investments, and support coastal communities. The first park

was established in Davao del Norte in 2001. While many parks were planned, only a small

percentage are operational. These parks lack their own breeding and hatchery facilities, relying

on nearby nurseries for fingerlings sourced from independent hatcheries, even from distant

locations like Sarangani province or other countries like Indonesia and Taiwan.( Salayo, N. D.,

Marte, C. L., Toledo, J. D., Gaitan, A. G., & Agbayani, R. F. 2021).

Despite the establishment of mariculture parks in the Philippines, milkfish production

experienced drops in 2009, 2014-15, and 2018 due to a shortage of fry and fingerlings and the

preference of aquaculturists to invest in high-value shrimp and other species. However, milkfish

production rebounded as earthen ponds were restocked with milkfish instead of shrimp, which

were affected by disease problems. To address the lack of seeds in the milkfish grow-out sector,

the domestication of milkfish broodstock, known as "sabalo," was developed. This ensured the

production of milkfish eggs in breeding facilities, fry in hatcheries, and fingerlings in nurseries

as inputs for the grow-out sector. The National Bangus Breeding Program (NBBP) led by the

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) maintained broodstocks in 12 government

aquaculture centers and later in private facilities. Eggs produced in these breeding facilities were

supplied to hatcheries operated by small-scale investors. Hatchery techniques for fry production

developed rapidly in the 1990s, especially for larval rearing. Commercial hatcheries dominated

the fry and fingerling market in the Philippines, but only a few operations persisted due to
profitability constraints. Seed stock availability is particularly important in major milkfish grow-

out sites in provinces such as Pangasinan, Bulacan, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Pampanga,

Rizal, Batangas, Quezon, and Davao del Sur.( Salayo, N. D., Marte, C. L., Toledo, J. D., Gaitan,

A. G., & Agbayani, R. F. 2021).

This study focused on profiling fish farmers operating near the Marilao-Meycauayan-

Obando River System (MMORS) to understand their current fish farm management practices

(FFMPs) and concerns. The objective was to develop targeted solutions for improving water

quality and ensuring sustainable fish production. The researchers interviewed fish farmers,

conducted focus groups, and administered surveys. They discovered that half of the fish farmers

earned $125-$250 per month, mainly managing small ponds (less than 4 hectares) for raising

milkfish, tilapia, prawns, and shrimp. Flooding, water pollution, and invasive species were the

top concerns reported by fish farmers. Adaptation strategies included technological

improvements and organizational changes. The study recommended adopting a holistic approach

called CARE Solution, consisting of community organization, long-term rehabilitation, and

enforcement of environmental laws. This approach aligns with the Ecosystem Approach for

Aquaculture, promoting integration of ecosystem, human well-being, and equity while

considering other sectors for aquaculture development and management. The study outcomes

could contribute to designing interventions tailored to the needs of the MMORS region,

enhancing socio-ecological health and ecosystem services for improved and sustained

socioeconomic productivity. (Malenab, M. C. T., Visco, E. S., Amparo, J. M. S., Torio, D. A.,

Atole, M. R. J. T., & Mendoza, M. D. 2018).

Milkfish farming is crucial for Philippine aquaculture, utilizing various ponds and pens.

The country has seen consistent milkfish production, with an average of 206,840 metric tons
annually since 1990, valued at over ten billion pesos. Each Filipino consumes around 2 kg of

milkfish per year, accounting for 7.5% of their total fish consumption. With a projected

population of 112 million by 2020, the demand for milkfish is estimated to reach 224,000 metric

tons. Sustaining a growth rate of 2.3% could lead to a surplus production of nearly 200,000

metric tons by 2020. To meet changing market demands and boost exports, there is a need to

develop value-added milkfish products. This summary provides an overview of the current state

of the milkfish industry in the Philippines, covering breeding techniques, farming practices,

marketing strategies, value-added products, and ongoing research and development efforts.

(Marte, C. L. 2013).

Milkfish is the primary product of the Philippine aquaculture sector, with Iloilo being a

significant producing area. However, milkfish production in Iloilo has been decreasing since

2011. This study aimed to determine the technical efficiency of milkfish production in Iloilo and

identify factors that affect efficiency. The researchers used a Cobb-Douglas production function

and data from 181 milkfish producers to estimate farm-level efficiency. Technical efficiency

scores ranged from 12.38% to 90.00%, with a mean of 59.16%. The length of culture negatively

impacted efficiency, while the source of stocking material, pond tenure status, and frequency of

stock checking positively contributed to efficiency. The study highlights areas where milkfish

production efficiency can be improved. (Zeller, L. M. L., Catelo, S. P., et al., Carambas, N. D.

2021).

Milkfish (Chanos chanos), commonly known as 'Bangus' in the Philippines, is a popular

herbivorous fish found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is a rapid-growing fish that thrives in

a variety of saltwater conditions. Milkfish has been traditionally farmed in brackishwater ponds,

pens, freshwater ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and marine cages in several tropical nations, including
the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Pacific island countries. During 2014, global milkfish

production reached approximately 1 million metric tons, largely coming from the Philippines,

Taiwan, and Indonesia. In India, milkfish fry and fingerlings have existed in coastal waters,

estuaries, and brackishwater environments for centuries under traditional farming methods,

referred to as 'Paal Meen' in Tamil. ( Mandal, B., Padiyar, A., Bera, A., Kailasam, M.,

Ambasankar, K., Alavandi, S. V., & Vijayan, K. K. 2018).

The study evaluated the potential of Catanduanes, Philippines, as a source of milkfish fry

for commercial use. Fry sampling stations were set up across the province, operating from March

to August. Each station's catch volume ranged from 100,000 to 500,000 per group of four

individuals monthly. This catch volume could significantly help address the fry shortage in the

aquaculture industry. The research demonstrated that gathering milkfish fry for livelihood is

profitable during peak months in the identified stations, considering the technology involved in

identifying, catching, sorting, storing, and marketing the fry. (Morales, M. I., & Barba Jr, R. B.

2015).

This study analyzed the correlation between wholesale prices and trading volumes of

milkfish in Taiwan's market from 2001 to 2017. Using statistical methods such as unit root tests,

VAR models, Granger causality tests, and impulse response functions, it revealed that both

variables are stationary time series and exhibit a bi-directional causal relationship. This means

that the price and volume of milkfish mutually influence each other, having a short-term and

interactive relationship. Specifically, when the wholesale price increases (decreases), there is a

negative (positive) reaction in the first and second period, and a positive (negative) response in

the seventh period. Conversely, if the trading volume increases (decreases) in the present period,

the price experiences a decrease (rise) in the first period. ( Lee, J. J. 2019).