‘Yu-yu’ to save Ifugao Terraces

By Dexter A. See

LAGAWE, Ifugao – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is pushing for mass production of the Japanese loach, known as yu-yu in rice terraces of this province to save scenic paddies from deterioration considering these are major sources of livelihood for local folk.
Based on BFAR studies, yu-yu production is a profitable source of income and alternative source of livelihood for farmers during the lean season.

Recently, the Hungduan municipal council passed a resolution making the highland fish its One-town, One-product (OTOP) and allocated 20 percent the local government’s development fund for the mass propagation of the yu-yu.

Since 2006, the town started producing yu-yu by distributing fish fry to thousands of farmers who committed to produce same volume of fries the following year.

Experts said propagation of yuyu would give farmers a chance to propagate other fish species aside from tilapia and carp which are being produced in other parts of the region.