BFAR-6 defends feed mill plant at SEAFDEC amid senator’s criticism

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 6 director Remia Aparri defended the agency’s decision to construct a P30-million feed mill plant within the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) in Tigbauan, Iloilo, following a heated exchange with Sen. Cynthia Villar. During a Senate hearing on Senate Bill No. 2417, which proposes the establishment of a similar feed mill plant in Barangay Bahit, Panay, Capiz, Villar questioned BFAR’s rationale for situating the feed mill at SEAFDEC. The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, expressed frustration over the decision, emphasizing that feed mills are intended to benefit local fishermen and should be constructed in areas accessible to local government units (LGUs).