Small ponds, big lifelines for Alaminos farmers
ALAMINOS CITY—In the upland farming communities of this city, small man-made ponds originally built to catch rainwater are quietly reshaping rural livelihoods.
Known as small farm reservoirs (SFRs), these earth-dug impoundments were first designed for a practical purpose: to store rainwater for irrigating crops during the dry months.
Built beyond the reach of traditional irrigation systems, they allowed farmers in remote upland villages to plant rice and vegetables even when rainfall was unreliable.
But over time, farmers discovered that these reservoirs could do much more than sustain crops.
Today, many SFRs have become thriving fishponds for tilapia and catfish (locally known as “hito”), turning rain-fed ponds into sources of both food and income.
“These bodies of water are no longer just for irrigation but are now also used for fish culture,” aquaculturist Milberth Ferrer tells the Inquirer during a visit.
The shift has turned SFRs into small-scale aquaculture systems that help stabilize household food supply while generating additional earnings. Farmers can now harvest rice, vegetables, and fish from the same landscape—especially valuable during times of economic strain.
Growing lifeline
There are around 100 SFRs spread across upland villages, each about 100 to 200 square meters wide and 2.5 meters deep.
With government support, farmers receive hundreds of catfish fingerlings per cycle, allowing them to run multiple production rounds each year.
Initially focused on tilapia, many farmers have shifted to catfish, which grows quickly and is increasingly popular in local markets. A culture cycle can take just three months, making it possible to harvest up to three or even four times a year.
For farmers like Lilia Gregorio of San Vicente village, the change has been life-altering.
After losing their piggery due to African Swine Fever control measures, Gregorio and her husband turned to their SFRs for recovery.
“We lost our source of income,” she recalls. “So we decided to use our SFRs for fish culture.”
What began as a survival strategy has since become a reliable income stream. With three reservoirs in operation, the couple now harvests catfish multiple times a year—and plans to expand further.
“We plan to dig another SFR so we can harvest and earn four times a year,” she shares.
Living ecosystems
Beyond income, farmers have also learned to manage their reservoirs as living ecosystems. Some apply chicken manure to encourage natural algae growth, while others mix molasses and coconut pulp into feeds to improve fish quality.
Catfish typically reach market size in about three months, with two to three fish per kilogram. Buyers now come not only from city markets but also nearby towns such as Bani.
One of the most unexpected gains has been the improvement of crop production. Water from fish-filled reservoirs, enriched with organic nutrients, is used to irrigate nearby fields.
“We observed that crops reached by SFR water look more robust and vibrant,” Gregorio says.
The integration of fish and crops has created a cycle where each system strengthens the other.
Not all farmers have had smooth success. In Pocalpocal village, farmer Leonora Estillore experienced heavy losses in her most recent cycle, likely due to heat stress or feeding issues.
While training sessions have been provided by the city government, she admits that not all practices were fully followed. Still, she remains hopeful about improving in the next cycle.
“We hope to do better next season,” she Estillore shares.
Government support
According to Ferrer, almost all upland farming communities in 20 villages are now engaged in catfish culture, with strong support from local government initiatives.
To ensure safety and quality, farmers are trained under the Good Aquaculture Practices, which emphasize responsible feeding, clean water management and sustainable production methods. Officials strictly prohibit unsafe feeding practices such as using animal waste.
The city government is now exploring ways to expand the industry beyond raw fish sales. Plans include processing products such as boneless catfish and catfish crackers (kropek), opening new income streams for farmers.
“We will continue assisting farmers and explore value-added products,” Ferrer states.
For these upland farmers, SFRs are no longer just infrastructure. They are lifelines, income generators, and symbols of adaptation in a changing agricultural landscape.
