Molmol, now a rich source for protein
WHO would have thought that what was considered a pest, will become a regular source of income, particularly for fisher folk.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Dagupan City has developed a fish protein concentrate in powder form from molmol or Tilapiang Gloria to fight malnutrition.
It will be recalled that the unchecked invasion of molmol has been considered a big headache for brackish fishpond owners.
Dr. Westly Rosario, BFAR center chief here, said the powdered molmol is ready- to- eat and may be used for feeding programs for malnourished children like what he intends to do for his organization, the Lions Club. These could be eaten as condiments for congee, as toppings for arroz caldo and other foods for those who are not fish-eater, like most children.
“We are doing it because molmol is bland,” he said. He added that other uses include adding taste for vegetable dish and other viands.
He said the fish bones of molmol would be included in the processing as they have good calcium level. “It is also good for the elderly for their calcium supplements,” Rosario said.
Molmol easily enter ponds and multiply fast, Rosario said.
Fishpond owners hate molmol because they are said to be eating milkfish fry and compete with fish feeds and space with bangus, he said.
Since late last year Rosario said “molmol” have been giving headache to Pangasinan fishpond owners.
Gloria Tilapia became a problem about five years ago in Bataan where the fish adopted such name.
It was originally named Arroyo tilapia, then Gloria tilapia and here in Pangasinan, it’s now called molmol, Rosario said, to refer to the mole on the diminutive former president’s face.
“Molmol” are also small and grow about 10 centimeters only.
Meanwhile, BFAR here released last year 5,000 fingerlings of apahap (seabass) in selected rivers to solve fishermen’s woes on the invasion of Gloria tilapia or molmol.
He said seabass is the natural predator of molmol tilapia. (Tita Roces)
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