Production Techniques of Native Cultured Lapu-lapu in Selected Municipalities in Western Pangasinan

Abstract

This study sought to identify the production of fish cage industry, specifically in the Production of Native Cultured Lapu-lapu in Selected Municipalities in Western Pangasinan, to help avoid casualties that affect the production. The study used the survey and interview method being the most appropriate method to attain the objective of the study which covers 78 respondents. The researchers identified that majority of the producers were in their early adulthood. Only men were involved in the production in which majority of them were married. Most of them were elementary undergraduates and were already into production for the span of 5 to 8 years. Each of the producers was the sole owner. Raising native cultured Lapu-lapu needs one caretaker per cage for a normal capital of ₱10,000 to ₱20,000. Accordingly, the producers used the traditional technique of utilizing a 5x5 meter fish cage with 200 to 300 pieces of fingerlings, with the size of 2 to 3 inches, which were fed only with trash fish up to harvest. From the viewpoint of the researchers, producers must assure and maintain the effectiveness of operation by considering best practices in Lapu-lapu production and take areas of development. Furthermore, the researchers recommend that producers should seek support from the government to avail services like financing, providing trainings to the producers and conducting seminars which include modernization and development or much proper way of production especially on feeding and cleanliness of cage that leads to higher profit. The support of the government to the producers to improve their production will at the same time bring a positive impact on the economy.