A capacity building activity was held at the Municipal Agriculture Office of Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija last April 17, 2022 for the purpose of developing and strengthening the skills and capabilities of the fisherfolks on water quality analysis for tilapia farming.
The activity was led by Dr. Alvin T. Reyes and Dr. Lorenz J. Fajardo, Project Leaders of Ecological Assessment of Eco-tourism Sites of Nueva Ecija under the supervision of SDG 14 Chair, Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, and in collaboration with the BASIL (Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa) Project of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region III headed by Mr. Al C. Dimaquibo.
The results of water quality analysis conducted last May 26, 2022 at Sapang Abot Eco-tourism Park located in the municipality were presented by Dr. Reyes during the capacity building. According to the results, majority of the analyzed water parameters of the river were within the desirable ranges set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau.
Meanwhile, Ms. Maria Cecilia G. Pascual, staff of the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), led the identification of possible solutions to resolve the high concentration of phosphorus and count of coliform in the river.
The capacity building was highlighted by the demonstration on the actual use of various water quality equipment such as the multi-parameter, DO meter, pH meter, turbidity meter, handheld GPS and secchi disc. This demonstration was spearheaded by the support team of SD 14 namely, Mr. Jhon Christian P. Suyom and Mr. Ismael P. Geroza.
Other lecturers were also tapped during that day to tackle topics on the Status of Lakes and Rivers in the Philippines, and Fishery Law Enforcement. The half day activity was attended by the MAO, BFAR and CLSU staff members, and the fisherfolk beneficiaries of Sta. Rosa.
