BFAR - National Freshwater Technology Center

30/03/2026

Today marks the 47th Anniversary of BFAR–NFTC—a celebration of legacy, progress, and innovation.

Take a glimpse into the Center’s journey across more than four decades of dedicated service, growth, and impact in the field of aquaculture.

BFAR–NFTC
Innovating Today for a Sustainable Aquaculture Tomorrow

18/03/2026

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑-𝐍𝐅𝐓𝐂 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞-𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

In celebration of Women’s Month, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources -National Freshwater Technology Center (BFAR - NFTC) successfully conducted a Seminar on Post-Harvest and Value Adding of Aquatic Products on March 17, 2026, bringing together women staff, fisherfolk, and participants from two cooperatives in San Jose City and Science City of Muñoz.

The activity aimed to strengthen the capacity of women in the fisheries sector by equipping them with practical knowledge and hands-on skills in fish processing and value addition. Through this initiative, BFAR-NFTC continues to promote inclusive development and empower women as key contributors to food security and livelihood generation.

The seminar opened with a formal program, including a welcome message from Dr. Ma. Jodecel C. Danting, Center Chief, followed by participant introductions and activity orientation. Participants were then introduced to the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) in fish processing, emphasizing food safety, hygiene, and quality standards.

A series of engaging discussions and demonstrations highlighted various fish processing techniques and value-adding methods, particularly for tilapia and catfish. Topics included smoking (tinapa making), siomai and shanghai preparation, and burger patty production—practical approaches that participants can adopt for livelihood or small-scale enterprises.

The highlight of the event was the hands-on demonstration, where participants actively engaged in preparing processed fish products. This experiential learning allowed them to apply the techniques taught and gain confidence in producing marketable aquatic food products.

In the afternoon, participants continued with group-based activities, culminating in a food tasting session featuring their own prepared tilapia and hito products. The event concluded with an evaluation, awarding of certificates, and closing remarks led by Dr. Lilibeth B. Afan, Head of ATIES/GAD Focal.

This initiative reflects BFAR’s continued commitment to empowering women through skills development, promoting sustainable fisheries practices, and enhancing livelihood opportunities in local communities.

16/03/2026

PUBLIC ADVISORY

In line with Fisheries Office Order No. 40, Series of 2026, and pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 114 issued by the Office of the President on Energy Conservation, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Freshwater Technology Center (BFAR–NFTC) announces the adoption of a Compressed 4-Day Workweek Scheme.

Effective immediately, office operations will follow the schedule below:

Office Hours:
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Monday to Thursday

This adjustment aims to support government energy conservation initiatives while ensuring that the delivery of services to stakeholders, partners, and the public remains efficient and uninterrupted.

Please be advised that BFAR–NFTC will remain operational every Friday through a skeletal workforce, ensuring the continuity of essential services, facility operations, and assistance to clients.

We encourage all clients, partners, and visitors to plan their transactions and visits accordingly within the new office schedule.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

11/03/2026

𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 📣

The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) informs the public that the agency shall adopt the compressed 4-day workweek scheme.

The frontline offices shall remain operational from Monday to Friday through skeleton work force at these hours: 7𝐀𝐌 to 7𝐏𝐌. Meanwhile, non-frontline offices shall be open from Monday to Thursday, 7𝐀𝐌 to 7𝐏𝐌.

These measures support the government’s commitment to energy conservation while ensuring uninterrupted public service.

08/03/2026

Our very own, the Center Chief of BFAR - NFTC, Dr. Ma. Jodecel C. Danting

03/03/2026

𝐂𝐇𝐂 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑 - 𝐍𝐅𝐓𝐂 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

On March 2, 2025, representatives from CHC Agritech, a division of Classique Herbs Corporation, paid a courtesy visit to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to formally express their intent to collaborate on demonstration trials for CHC Aqualife and CHC Activator technologies in aquaculture systems.

The proposed collaboration aims to conduct pilot trials in selected freshwater sites to evaluate the performance of multi-strain beneficial microorganisms and enzymes in improving fish survival rates, feed efficiency, and water quality management.

CHC Agritech also committed to providing product samples, technical expertise, and farm consultancy support throughout the trial implementation, in close coordination with DA-BFAR field offices for proper documentation and validation.

This initiative supports the goals of the Department of Agriculture and aligns with national efforts to strengthen sustainable aquaculture practices, enhance productivity, and promote environmental stewardship in the fisheries sector.

BFAR remains committed to fostering partnerships that drive innovation and empower our aquaculture industry toward a more resilient and food-secure Philippines.

02/03/2026

BFAR–NFTC Joins the Celebration of National Women’s Month!

With this year’s empowering theme, “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Freshwater Technology Center (BFAR–NFTC) proudly stands in solidarity in honoring the strength, wisdom, and leadership of Filipino women.

Just like the Babaylans—our pre-colonial women leaders who were healers, guides, and pillars of the community—today’s Filipinas continue to inspire change, foster resilience, and lead with courage in every sector, including fisheries and aquatic resource management.

Together, let us celebrate the invaluable contributions of women and continue to champion gender equality and inclusive leadership. 💜

19/02/2026

𝐃𝐨ñ𝐚 𝐉𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐜𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑 - 𝐍𝐅𝐓𝐂

CLSU–College of Fisheries and Freshwater Aquaculture Center requested a facility tour at BFAR–NFTC on February 18, 2026 for Senior High School students of Doña Juana Chioco National High School under their Work Immersion Program.

The tour included the Dispersal Unit, Tilapia Germplasm Bank, Improved Modified Intensive Tilapia Hatchery, Giant Freshwater Prawn Hatchery, Crayfish Hatchery, and Urban Aquaponics facilities.

The initiative strengthened partnerships and enriched learning beyond the classroom.

18/02/2026

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲: 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑–𝐍𝐅𝐓𝐂 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲

In celebration of unity and teamwork this love month, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Freshwater Technology Center (BFAR–NFTC) successfully conducted “Hearts in Harmony: Interpersonal Relationship Building Activity” on February 16, 2026, at the BFAR–NFTC Training Hall.

The activity brought together BFAR–NFTC staff for a meaningful morning of reflection, appreciation, and team engagement aimed at strengthening workplace relationships and fostering a more supportive and collaborative organizational culture.

Interactive games and interpersonal activities were conducted to promote teamwork, gratitude, and positive communication among colleagues, reinforcing the value of camaraderie in achieving shared goals.

Anchored in the spirit of connection and appreciation, the initiative reaffirmed BFAR–NFTC’s commitment not only to excellence in freshwater aquaculture technologies but also to cultivating a workplace environment grounded in respect, unity, and a shared sense of purpose.

10/02/2026

𝐈𝐑𝐑𝐈–𝐑𝐂𝐀 𝐀𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐏𝐓 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑–𝐍𝐅𝐓𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

BFAR–NFTC warmly welcomed 10 delegates from Regional Center for Asia of the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (RCA - IIRR) under the AQUADAPT Project during their learning visit at the Center in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. The delegates are composed of Cambodian, Indian and Filipino Citizens.

Led by Dr. Ma. Jodecel C. Danting, Center Chief, the delegation was briefed on BFAR–NFTC’s mandate, programs, and research initiatives supporting nature-based solutions in small-scale freshwater aquaculture.

The group toured key facilities including the Ulang Hatchery, Crayfish Hatchery, Vermicomposting Area, Aquaponics System, and Improved Modified Intensive Tilapia Hatchery, showcasing sustainable and climate-resilient aquaculture technologies.

This visit strengthened partnerships in advancing inclusive, science-based, and environmentally sustainable aquatic food systems. 💧🌍

10/02/2026

09/02/2026

To our visitors: To avoid rough roads on your way to BFAR-NFTC, when you're already at CLSU, please follow the blue line as the recommended route.