The University of Northern Philippines was awarded five (5) million grant from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in line with the university’s project, “Improvement of Milkfish Hatchery Nursery Facility in Nalvo, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur” on 29 March 2022.

The awarding, which was held at the Tadena Hall, was attended by university officials headed by Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, UNP President, and BFAR led by Mr. Martin Allayban, Provincial Fishery Officer.

“The awarding of the 5-million grant is a manifestation that the university is not only capacitating manpower, the manpower capability of the researchers, but we are also doing our best to improve the research facilities of the university,” Dr. Cadorna stated.

He also expressed his gratitude that even if UNP is not an agricultural university, BFAR still extended its support to the university’s research and development endeavors.

Further, Dr. Cadorna challenged everyone in maximizing their potential along research. “I hope that we are doing our best for the university, my only request is for you to be doing your best”.

The project awarded is the second phase of the ongoing 10-million project, “Rehabilitation of Milkfish Nursery in Nalvo, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur” which was awarded to the university in May 2021.

In 2019, the university through Dr. Pio Ferdinand J. Lamarca, then Officer-in-Charge, Office of the President, submitted request for funding for the establishment of the UNP-based Bangus Hatchery in Nalvo, Sta. Maria to Department of Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar. Afterwhich, Sec. Dar then forwarded the request to USec Eduardo Gongona, Director of BFAR.

In 2020, after the assessment of project site led by UNP-IPDO, UNP- URDO-ARMRRDC, and Provincial Fishery Officer Allayban, the university led by Dr. Cadorna prepared the development plan. The grant was officially awarded to UNP in May 2021.

In September 2021, PFO Allayban informed the university that they can avail another funding from BFAR, which was the 5M grant. MOA signing was done last December 2021.

Ms. Jesse Domingo of the UNP-URDO-ARMRRC, also stated that the improvement of facilities in their project was made possible through the grants awarded and useful for “research and development endeavors as well as for the IGP of the university”.

Source: UNP-Public Information Office