While tilapia farming is common across the country, the Red Tilapia breed stands out due to its distinct reddish color, fast growth cycle, and several other unique traits. Recognizing these advantages, the MDB Malinawon Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Association strategically chose this species as the centerpiece of their aquaculture journey.
Unlike the more widespread Nile Tilapia, Red Tilapia’s vibrant red-orange hue, uniqueness, and texture add value in the marketplace. Its fast growth cycle—often reaching market size in just four to five months—allows farmers to achieve quicker turnover and increased profitability.
Recognizing the significant economic and ecological potential of Red Tilapia, the association thoughtfully embraced the recommendation put forth by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to center their aquaculture efforts on this high-value species.
Beyond technical guidance, BFAR also provided critical support in the form of training sessions and initial stocks of Red Tilapia fingerlings.
“We saw the market potential of the fish, not just because of its striking appearance and rapid growth, but also because it offers a competitive edge in the aquaculture industry and appeals to more discerning buyers,” said MDB SLP Association President Roelo Banzuela in an interview.
“We believe this could be the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for—not just for our association, but for the entire community. This livelihood project has the potential to uplift lives, provide steady income, and most importantly, promote peace in our community,” he added.
Despite the initial support provided by BFAR, it quickly became evident that these efforts alone were insufficient to fully sustain the needs of the association.
Situated in the remote outskirts of Butuan City, the group operates in an area long burdened by peace and security challenges, which have historically hindered consistent access to government assistance and essential development services.
“It all began when they [Philippine National Police] came here to campaign for peace in our barangay. Soon after, other government agencies followed with their own interventions, providing us with opportunities for a decent and sustainable livelihood,” Banzuela stated.
Understanding the situation, the 23rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army stepped in to assist. Through their peacebuilding initiatives and community engagement, the battalion endorsed the association to the SLP of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, ensuring they received additional support tailored to the needs of their operation.
“It was the PNP who first organized us, laying the groundwork for our group. Later, BFAR stepped in by conducting training seminars and providing vital support and interventions to help us get started,” Banzuela remarked.
“The assistance we received at first wasn’t enough to fully sustain our needs. That’s when they [23rd IB] stepped in—they saw our potential and referred us to you [SLP] for further support,” he added.
The association received a total seed capital of PHP 300,000.00, which allowed them to purchase essential equipment such as water hoses, nets, fish conditioning tanks, and built a small facility for their meetings and training sessions— all critical tools for their hatchery operations—equipping the group to scale their efforts and meet the growing demand for Red Tilapia.
“We are deeply grateful to the DSWD-Sustainable Livelihood Program for their invaluable support. Without their assistance, we wouldn’t have been able to acquire the necessary equipment or sustain our operations,” said Banzuela.
Through the combined efforts of various government agencies and the dedication of its members, the MDB Malinawon SLPA reaped the fruits of their hard work with their first official harvest on the 14th of May, 2025. The group successfully harvested a total of 330 kilograms of Tilapia, generating an initial income of PHP 25,510.00. The harvest was sold to a fellow SLP Association based in the town of Magallanes, which is engaged in the buying and selling of agricultural and aquaculture products.
“This first-ever harvest not only met but exceeded our expectations. We initially targeted 200 kilograms of Tilapia, but we were thrilled to surpass that with a total yield of 330 kilograms,” Banzuela underscored.
The MDB Malinawon SLP Association highlights how strategic support, community resilience, and a focus on high-value aquaculture species like Red Tilapia can transform livelihoods—even in challenging environments. As the association looks forward to expanding its hatchery operations and building a niche, it remains committed to sustaining peace and fostering economic growth in the community—proving that with the right support and determination, even remote areas can thrive and contribute to the broader agricultural industry.
