A family-run shrimp farm in Oriental Mindoro has won crucial government backing to modernize its operations, in a move that could boost the country’s’ growing aquaculture sector.

JEB Aqua Farm, which produces over seven tons of white-leg shrimp per harvest, has joined the Department of Science and Technology’s technology upgrade program (DOST-SETUP) aimed at small enterprises.

After initially struggling with tilapia production, the farm switched to white-leg shrimp in 2014 – a species that has become increasingly popular in Southeast Asian farming.

Despite serving markets across multiple provinces, including the capital region, the farm faces various problems.

Traditional earthen pond methods leave the shrimp vulnerable to disease and limit production capacity, according to the DOST.

The government support package will help the farm transition to intensive farming techniques, potentially increasing yields and profitability. This could prove crucial for the Philippines’ aquaculture industry, which provides both food security and export earnings for the country.

The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s major aquaculture producers, with the industry employing over 1.6 million people.

White-leg shrimp has emerged as a dominant species due to its rapid growth rate and disease resistance compared to native varieties.

Oriental Mindoro is particularly well-suited for aquaculture due to its geography and climate.

The province has extensive coastlines and numerous rivers, creating ideal conditions for both marine and freshwater farming. Its location in the MIMAROPA region (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) places it strategically for serving markets in Manila and surrounding areas.

Historically, the province began with traditional fish farming, primarily focusing on milkfish (bangus) and tilapia in the 1970s and 1980s. These species remain important, but there has been a major shift toward higher-value species like white-leg shrimp (vannamei) in recent years.