TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Isidro Lapeña led the inauguration of the first TESDA Urban Aqua Farm in the National Capital Region at the TESDA Compound in Taguig City on Monday, March 15, 2021.

The aqua farm was conceptualized through the TESDA-MuntiParLasTaPat (Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Taguig and Pateros) District Office, in line with Lapeña’s directive to showcase the “greening” of technical-vocational education and training.

“This project signifies the importance of farming in our urban areas, particularly to our marginalized sectors who can make farming as a source of their livelihood even if they are living in the city, without going to the remote farming areas. For this Urban Aqua model Farm, we only need an area of more than 70 square meters to establish a fish farm that can help feed a family. This program is definitely aligned with TESDA’s thrust of global competitiveness, social equity and poverty reduction for the Filipinos” Lapeña said.

The Urban Aqua Farm was established under the concept of aquaculture — or the breeding, nurturing and harvesting of fish and other aquatic organisms. Aquaculture involves cultivating freshwater and/or saltwater populations under controlled conditions.

TESDA’s Aqua Farm was built with one main fountain responsible for the water circulation and other surrounding “mini-fountains” to regulate the temperature, humidity and moisture of the water to ensure the optimal condition of the fish.

Atty. Marichelle De Guzman, TESDA-MuntiParLasTaPat District director, said the Aqua Farm will cultivate different species of tilapia which are relatively easier to harvest and with good growth rate. Water cabbage, lotus and water grass will also be grown in the pool to help oxygenate the pond to keep the fish healthy.