When Cagayan Valley, one of the country's largest tilapia-producing regions, faced a region-wide shortage of tilapia fingerlings in 1993, business graduate Arnel Santiago decided to establish his own fish hatchery to help boost local production and earn additional income. With no prior experience in aquaculture but armed with determination to learn about fish farming, Arnel completed trainings on fish pond operations and established A.R. Santago Fish Farm. He was able to sustain his operations until 2002, when running his business became a challenge due to lack of capital.

Isabela fish farm reels in success with Landbank support. (2022, July 24). Manila Bulletin, p. 3.