The construction of a PHP25.6 million multi-species hatchery project is underway in Agusan del Norte province to benefit 3,827 fisherfolk across the Caraga Region, the regional Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-13) said Wednesday.

In a statement, the agency said construction started Tuesday in Barangay Ata-atahon, Nasipit town, and is seen to produce 25 million fries of different fish species annually when completed.

Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Dale Corvera lauded the efforts of the BFAR-13 for the realization of the hatchery project.

“My office will provide full support to this project as this will benefit the fishery sector of our province,” Corvera said in a separate statement Wednesday.

He noted that two measures were also filed in the Lower House for the proposed multi-species marine breeding farms and hatcheries in the province.

On Dec. 14 last year, Corvera filed House Bills 6689 and 6690 for the establishment of the two multi-species breeding farms and hatcheries in Cabadbaran City and Carmen town.

“These projects will further boost the fishing industry in Agusan del Norte and help uplift the economic conditions of our fisherfolk,” he said. (PNA)