WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • SEPTEMBER 2025 27 (CONTINUED ON PAGE 28) the Philippines such Cagayan, Quezon, and Palawan where the two other species have not been widely introduced (Tan-Fermin 2003; Dianala 2020). Apart from these, there are recent reports of new catfish varieties to be introduced soon in aquaculture industries, such as Clarias simsus (not a formally published scientific name), which is a hybrid of the three aforementioned farmed Clarias species in the Philippines, being endorsed as faster-growing, less cannibalistic, and with a favorable meat-to-waste ratio ideal to customers (Gonzalez 2025). If this project becomes successful, the currently farmed African catfish may suffer the same fate as C. macrocephalus, as a result of displacement in both natural habitats and in aquaculture. Recently, the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources held the 1st National Catfish Dialogue in the Philippines, in an attempt to further promote the established catfish farming industry. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. acknowledged the industry’s importance in food security and economic development (BFAR 2024). Additionally, the current dilemma of C. macrocephalus facing extinction was actually addressed earlier in 2020, recognizing the fact that Filipino farmers tend to culture C. gariepinus rather than C. macrocephalus and creating a call for conservation efforts towards catfish species native to the Philippines (Dianala 2020). Cultural Relevance of Catfish It is widely known that Filipinos have a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and love for food. Therefore, it is not surprising that catfish is a staple ingredient in many Filipino households, particularly in rural and coastal communities. In fact, catfish hold cultural and culinary significance in the Philippines which can be traced through several characteristics of the catfish itself. Its affordability and availability make catfish a staple for many lowincome Filipino households. Found in rivers, ponds, and lakes, it provides an accessible source of protein. It is also known to thrive in “not-so-ideal” conditions, symbolizing the resiliency and resourcefulness of Filipinos. Catfish is commonly featured as the main ingredient in several Filipino dishes from different regions of the country. Some of the most notable ones are pinangat na hito (catfish cooked in a tangy coconut milk-based stew) from Iloilo, hito sa miso (catfish cooked in fermented soybean paste) from Pampanga, and sinigang na hito (catfish in sour tamarind broth) with different versions from provinces like Pampanga, Pangasinan, Batangas, and Cebu. These cuisines are often presented in family gatherings or on special occasions like festivals. Aside from these local delicacies, catfish is also integrated in the Philippines’ culture through its economic impact and livelihoods, particularly those in regions abundant with freshwater resources. As an aquaculture product, it provides jobs for many farmers and those in the related industries, thereby playing a key role in food and job security. Fisheries situation reports in the year 2024 have indicated a declining trend in overall fisheries production. However, among all the other types of fisheries only aquaculture showed an increasing trend, by 4.6% from the year 2021 to 2022 and by 1.5% from the year 2022 to 2023. More specifically, in November 2024, inland fisheries overall production increased by 7.5% led by catfish, which had an increase of 47.55%. Data from the same report also indicated a decrease in the market price of the catfish by 6.61% (Philippine Statistics Authority 2024 Nov 27). Catfish Farming: General Practice In recent years, instability of the Philippine economy has led to continuous rising costs and food scarcity. Hence, Filipinos have been encouraged to cultivate more of their sustenance, with emphasis on two types of fishes—milkfish and catfish. In response, C. batrachus and C. gariepinus are currently being farmed more than the indigenous catfish. Farmers can start with ponds as small as 10 square meters of surface area with a 1.5-meter depth. Artificial ponds, such as concrete ponds, are advised to maintain a natural clay bottom to allow for oxygen and organic environments (Surtida and Buendia 2000). Larval rearing begins by transferring 4-6 day-old catfish larvae to shallow tanks, about 10-15 cm water depth, maintaining a population of 100-150 larvae per liter. These larvae are provided with shelters, mild aeration, and are fed three times a day with FIGURE 3. Aquatic plants in Get Farm used as natural feeds: Azolla (left) and Duckweed (right). Photo credit: A. Olarte.
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