From the Sidelines
By: Ray G. Talimio Jr.
“Scaling Black Soldier Fly Innovation for Tilapia Farmers in Misamis Oriental”
The recent breakthrough study conducted in Naawan, Misamis Oriental has confirmed what many agri-tech advocates have long believed: the direct feeding of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae significantly boosts productivity in genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT). This development brings new hope not only for aquaculture producers but also for waste reduction advocates and soil rehabilitation programs in the region.
The study showed that tilapia grown in ponds with regular BSF larvae feeding demonstrated improved growth rates, enhanced feed conversion efficiency, and better overall fish health. These results are consistent with global findings on BSF as a cost-effective, high-protein feed alternative, but the Naawan study is notable for its real-world application in a Philippine freshwater setting.
Behind this success is the emerging circular model piloted under the GOLD FLY RECYCLO initiative, which leverages community-level biowaste to cultivate BSF in scalable environments. What was once considered organic waste is now converted into two valuable outputs: larvae for livestock and fish feed, and frass or insect manure for soil rehabilitation.
With organic waste diverted from landfills and redirected to BSF bioconversion centers, LGUs and local farms are discovering both economic and environmental benefits. The integration of this model into aquaculture operations addresses both feed cost pressures and the demand for sustainable protein.
The pilot in Naawan sets a replicable template for other municipalities in Northern Mindanao. Partners from LGUs, the private sector, and local cooperatives are now exploring larger-scale adoption, including integration into seaports, school-based demo farms, and upland farming systems.
The Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Trade and Industry are all being urged to provide further technical, financial, and policy support to scale BSF-based circular agriculture. The opportunity to empower farmers, protect the environment, and reduce reliance on imported feed is too valuable to ignore.
It is now up to us to ensure that the momentum from Naawan does not go to waste. If scaled properly, BSF could be the most transformative biological ally for Philippine agriculture in decades.
Sources:Naawan BSF Tilapia Study, 2026; GOLD FLY RECYCLO project brief; photos from community pilot site and LGU partners;
Magaling A. Pitogo, Ansing Aquafarm, Naawan, Misamis Oriental
Charry Fe Ubaub, VNU Worm Farm, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental
Arnil C. Emata, Ph.D., Research Consultant, USTP, Cagayan de Oro City
Photo Credits: Ray G. Talimio Jr.; LGU Naawan; GOLD FLY RECYCLO; Naawan BSF Pilot Team.
Disclaimer: This article is based on preliminary findings and public-source materials available as of January 2026.
About the Author: Ray G. Talimio Jr. is a Certified Public Accountant and veteran columnist on governance, economic policy, and public accountability. He is Past President and Past Chairman of the Board of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. He served as Co-Chairman of the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council Region X, Chairman of the MSME Development Council of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro from 2022 to 2025, and currently serves as a National Officer of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants after having served as its Past Senior Regional Director and Past Chapter President. He served as BIMP-EAGA Chairperson from 2023 to 2025. He is a staunch advocate of MSME development, regional economic integration, good governance, and public private partnerships.
