Cebu launches fish cage program to cut food imports by 70%

Cebu province is set to boost its food sufficiency with a new initiative. The program will provide sustainable livelihoods for local fisherfolk while addressing the region’s heavy reliance on external food sources. Currently, Cebu imports about 70 percent of its food supply from neighbouring provinces. Local fish production stands at 30,000 metric tons, far below the annual demand of 101,000 metric tons.

To tackle this, the Provincial Government will distribute 130 durable fish cages made of high-density polyethylene. Each five-by-five-metre cage can hold around 4,000 bangus fingerlings. The first batch of materials will be handed over on July 3 in Oslob, with Gov. Pamela Baricuatro leading the ceremonial release.

Beneficiaries, including the Daanlungsod Small Fishermen Association, will receive a full livelihood package. This includes the fish cage, fingerlings, feeds, training, an accounting system, technical monitoring, and market support. The initiative aims to increase local fish production and reduce dependence on outside sources. It will also create additional income opportunities for Cebu’s fisherfolk through structured support and sustainable practices.