The first-ever Central Luzon Catfish Stakeholders’ Meeting took place earlier today in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, bringing together catfish growers and breeders from Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Tarlac.
This gathering was a chance for stakeholders to meet, exchange best practices, and address key issues ahead of the upcoming Catfish National Dialogue set for the last quarter of the year.
Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz kicked off the meeting with a warm welcome, emphasizing the importance of unity and knowledge-sharing to advance the region’s catfish industry. He praised Central Luzon for its leading role in catfish production in the country, attributing its success to the hard work and dedication of local farmers and breeders.
Experts from the BFAR’s National Inland Fisheries Technology Center (NIFTC) and National Fisheries Technology Center (NFTC) also shared valuable insights. They highlighted the current status of catfish farming and ways to increase productivity while maintaining environmental standards.
The most significant outcome of the meeting was the election of officers to represent Central Luzon at the national level. Sancho “Sonny” Sebastian was elected as President, with Emmanuel “Noel” Sebastian as Vice President. Faith Angelique Marasigan will serve as Secretary, Joey Jose as Treasurer, and Romulo Fajardo as Public Relations Officer (PRO). Five Regional Representatives were also chosen: Joseph Cruz and Benjamin Dela Cruz from Bulacan, Jon Xyrus Sims from Pampanga, Felipe Cabilin from Tarlac, and Crispin Empaynado from Nueva Ecija. These leaders will bring the region’s perspectives to the national dialogue, ensuring that local voices and experiences are part of the broader conversation on the future of catfish farming in the Philippines.
The stakeholders left the meeting energized and optimistic about the road ahead, ready to continue Central Luzon’s strong performance in the industry and contribute actively to the upcoming national discussions.