Cebu's bold fish cage project aims to slash 70% food dependency by 2027

The Provincial Government of Cebu is launching a new fish cage project to boost local food production. The initiative aims to provide sustainable livelihoods for fisherfolk while addressing the province’s fish supply shortfall. Governor Pamela Baricuatro will officially kick off the program in Oslob on July 3. Cebu currently produces around 30,000 metric tons of fish annually. This falls far short of the 101,000 metric tons needed to meet local demand. As a result, the province relies on neighbouring areas for about 70 percent of its food supply.

The new project is part of the Provincial Agriculture Office’s three-year strategic plan. A total of 130 fish cages, each valued at P400,000, will be distributed across the province. Every five-by-five-metre cage can hold approximately 4,000 bangus fingerlings.

Each livelihood package includes more than just the cage. Beneficiaries will also receive fingerlings, fish feeds, training, and accounting support. Technical monitoring and a farm-to-market pipeline are part of the program to ensure long-term success.

The first batch of local government units will receive their materials on July 3. Governor Baricuatro will lead the ceremonial release of bangus fingerlings in Oslob to mark the start of the initiative. The project is designed to improve food sufficiency in Cebu. It will provide additional income for local fisherfolk while increasing the province’s fish production. The distribution of 130 fish cages is expected to make a measurable impact on both supply and livelihoods.