WANT to see the smallest, cutest aquaculture park in the world?

Take a trip to Barangay Tapuac in Dagupan City where Westly Rosario, former Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Dagupan center chief resides.

Rosario started developing the 500-square-meter lot in his compound at the start of the lockdown due to the pandemic in preparation then for his retirement in August.

“Learn the basics of fish farming by hearing, seeing and doing,” Rosario said in an interview.

He said it is much better for people, regardless of age, who are interested in fish farming, not only to read books but listen to presentations made by experts and search for places where these ideas are adopted.

Walking inside this newly-developed smallest aquaculture park, one gets the rare experience of watching how bangus, tuyo and tinapa are processed and bottled as  sardines.

Inside is also a learning and skills aquaculture schools both accredited by the Agriculture Training Institute and Technical Education Skills Development Authority for aquaculture and urban farming.

Few more steps lead to a growing area of azolla in a shallow earth pond with a bridge. Azolla, according to Rosario, is used as fish food, poultry and pigs.

Next is a concrete rectangular tank for green water for tilapia growing. Rosario said the green water is also as natural food for daphnia and rotifer.

The concept of fish condominium developed by Rosario in his BFAR stint can also be found here, as well as the integration of taro and fish in the isda’t gabi, aquaponics, vermicast production, use of canvas in tanks for grow-out of catfish, among others.

Two baboy damo (wild pigs), 15 free-range chickens, three ducklings also roam in the area.

For one to cross the wooden bridge over a pond should already indicate how much one has learned, with a dream to own one’s aquaculture farm in the future.

The pond features lotus with rare albino Pangasius, giant gourami, red tilapia, catfish and eel.  There are also pinakbet vegetables planted in the area.

Rosario said his farm will soon be ready to accept visitors by January but this early, excited friends have started to experience what Rosario had to offer – (PhilStar Wire Service/ECV)

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