The Philippines’ inaugural In-Pond Raceway System (IPRS) marks a great milestone in the country’s aquaculture sector. This technology allows aqua farmers to use the same amount of water to produce more fish, significantly increasing a pond’s production potential while lowering per unit production costs, reducing risk, and improving yields.
“We wanted to use this technology, as the U.S. Soybean Export Council introduced us to IPRS,” said Jericho Pascual, Alsons Aquaculture Corporation Vice President for Manufacturing. “This technology is also an answer to the food security initiatives of the Philippine government.”
Food insecurity and malnutrition are on the rise worldwide, and the Philippines is not exempt from the increased pressure on resources caused by COVID-19. As of 2020, the Philippines recorded the highest number of food insecure people in Southeast Asia, with 59 million Filipinos suffering from lack of consistent access to food. This number has been on the rise for nearly a decade.
IPRS technology, with U.S. Soy as a nutrient-dense feedstuff, is set to advance food security measures in the country. Increased pond efficiency means increased production of and access to protein locally.
“This is the first time we will see a 24/7 aquaculture technology,” said Dalea Austero, Alsons Aquaculture Corporation Technical Support Services Superintendent.
While these outcomes benefit aquaculture producers, Filipinos will also benefit from more consistent supply and decreased food costs, without sacrificing peace of mind that their food was sourced sustainably.
Learn more about this IPRS system.
- Partially funded by U.S. soybean farmers and their checkoff.
