NEWSFLASH

REHAB PAOAY LAKE INTO MAJOR FISH SOURCE

Laoag City, Feb. 11, 2000 - Agriculture Secretary Edgardo Angara has approved the release of P6 million to repair and upgrade fishery facilities of Paoay Lake. The rehabilitation is aimed at transforming the scenic inland waters of Ilocos Norte into a major supplier of fish for the province.

"This is our biggest fishery project in developed, the lake will increase fish production, provide employment and supply cheap sources of protein for our people," Sec. Angara said.

Angara said bulk of the P6 million fund would be used to upgrade rundown water tanks, research laboratories, and fish hatcheries at Paoay lake shore adminsitered by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Part of the amount would also be used to build a fishermen training center for use by fisherfolk in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

BFAR Director Malcolm Sarmiento Jr. said the project will make the 400-hectare lake more productive as fisherfolk and "aqua-business enterpreneurs" would be trained on tilapia culture and other appropriate freshwater fish farming technologies.