KORONADAL CITY — The South Cotabato provincial government is moving to institutionalize the annual Tilapia Festival through a local ordinance following the conclusion of its inaugural five-day staging on Oct. 30.
The proposed measure aims to establish the festival as a permanent provincial event to support the local aquaculture sector, expand market access for fish farmers, and boost eco-tourism.
Provincial Fishery Coordinator Shiny Rose Janiel said the ordinance is being sponsored by Board Member Nilda Almencion, chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations, who helped secure initial funding for the celebration.
The provincial government earmarked 2.475 million pesos for the inaugural festival, distributed across three lead agencies: 1.28 million pesos for the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, 865,000 pesos for the South Cotabato Economic and Investment Promotion Center, and 330,000 pesos for the Arts, Culture, Tourism and Museum Unit.
Each office manages a distinct phase of industry support. The agriculture office provides technical assistance and production inputs; the investment center handles enterprise development and market connections for tilapia products; and the tourism unit promotes the province's lakes and inland aquatic attractions to visitors.
Beyond annual festivities, the initiative seeks to deliver long-term support to fishing communities through skills training, market expansion, and direct livelihood assistance.
The province hosted the first Tilapia Festival from Oct. 26 to Oct. 30 under the theme "Tilapia: Our Waters, Our Livelihood, Our Pride." The event featured aquaculture forums, technical seminars, local product exhibits, and a public street-grilling feast on Oct. 30 at the South Cotabato Sports Complex.
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