SLSU-Bontoc BS Mar Bio student emerged as DA YFC 2023 Regional Awardee, set to compete at National Level

After enduring an intensive review and evaluation from the esteemed panel of evaluators headed by Mr. Francisco D. Ocado, Supervising Agriculturist of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, Mr. Maurice P. Legalig, a Junior student taking up Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology (BSMB) of SLSU-Bontoc, successfully obtained the evaluators' nod and subsequently, declared as Regional Level Awardee under the 2023 Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program. 

In a face-to-face oral presentation on Oct 25, 2023, at DA-RFO8, Kanhuraw Hill, Tacloban City, Mr. Legalig enthusiastically laid out his plans for implementing an agri-fishery enterprise on an integrated vegetable-ornamental fish production under a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). This Bontoc-based agri-fishery enterprise coined the "Pondside Greens Aquaculture Farm," will be operated under close monitoring and supervision by SLSU-Bontoc Faculty Researchers Ms. Alieza Del Socorro and Mr. Jimmy Salamida.

Receiving total grant funds amounting to P230,000.00 as start-up capital, Mr. Legalig is set to represent the region at the National Level through a 5-minute online project pitch with the schedule to be set by the National Program Management Team (NPMT).