Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center (BFAR-NFTC), officially launched an on-farm trial of the Improved Brackishwater Enhanced Selected Tilapia (iBEST) strain on April 10, 2025.

The project, a joint effort of DMMMSU’s College of Fisheries and Fisheries Research and Training Institute (FRTI), aims to evaluate the iBEST tilapia’s growth, salinity tolerance, and survival compared to current strains maintained at BFAR-NFTC in Nueva Ecija. The trial is being conducted at DMMMSU’s aquaculture facilities.

BFAR-NFTC is providing essential inputs including fingerlings, nets, feeds, and operational materials. DMMMSU personnel oversee daily operations such as feeding, pond maintenance, and water monitoring.

The initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 14: Life Below Water, focusing on sustainable food production and responsible aquaculture practices.

Key researchers from both institutions are collaborating on the trial. Researchers from DMMMSU are Dr. Faith S. Tadeo, Dr. Andie John D. Tadeo, Dr. Reginor Lyzza Roque, and Ms. Aphrodite Entoma. Researchers from BFAR-NFTC include Milagrod M. Apaga, Jesusa Q. Del Pilar, Jhonny L. Munar, and Daniel C. Salilig. Dr. Junifer Rey E. Tabafunda (NLUC Chancellor), Dr. Joanne C. Rivera (SLUC Chancellor), and Dr. Ma. Jodecel C. Danting (Center Chief, BFAR-NFTC) will supervise the research study. Findings from the study will be released in the coming months. (By Andie John Tadeo)