Fishing hub in Lake Lanao aims to boost aquaculture industry, Marawi recovery efforts

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MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) announced it has commenced work to develop an Integrated Cold Hub Complex in Marawi City, aiming to harness the riches of Lake Lanao and boost the livelihood of local fishers.

The three-year project, expected to finish by 2029, was designed to create an aquaculture industry for communities around Lake Lanao, a vital water resource that has remained underutilized due to the lack of infrastructure and local know-how on the fisheries business.

“Our goal is to support the continued recovery of Marawi City by turning Lake Lanao into a source of strength. This is an investment in the future of the Maranao people. Through this fishing hub, we are anchoring the peace we have built with the weight of economic opportunity and sustainable food security,” said BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig.

Under the project, the government aims to enhance the fisheries value chain in Marawi City and other lakeshore towns by establishing end-to-end support, from harvest and storage facilities to logistics systems and upskilling of local fishers.

BFAR said it will deploy fish cages and build solar-powered floating caretaker houses in 10 pilot areas, undertake wharf rehabilitation in 11 sites, and procure a fleet of reefer vans, harvest boats and speed boats for transport.

The agency will also build an ice plant, fish health laboratory, and a processing plant at the Marawi Port to prevent fish stock spoilage.

Beyond infrastructure, the program includes comprehensive training for fisherfolk cooperatives in aquaculture techniques, business planning, and post-harvest handling.

Through the project, BFAR hopes to stimulate the local economy, with the fishing hub seen to provide jobs to locals directly engaged in production and logistics, and indirectly benefit hundreds more from an enhanced aquaculture industry, including vendors and transport operators.

To roll out the project, BFAR is working with the Mindanao State University as a technical partner, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for regional policy alignment, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Marawi Rehabilitation and Development to ensure alignment with broader recovery goals, and local government units of Marawi City and lakeside municipalities for policy and infrastructure support.

Procurement for essential equipment, including fish cages and service vehicles, started in February this year, with the aquaculture ecosystem expected to be fully operational in the third year of the project. (Contributed story)