Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala urged fish farmers to venture into growing giant gourami (Ospronemus gouramy) as an alternative to bangus, tilapia, and catfish in inland water bodies such as fishponds, lakes, and even dams and reservoirs. Alcala said that based on research findings of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), giant gourami can easily be grown and can thrive on a variety of locally available food including kangkong, duckweed and small insects. "Growing giant gourami will greatly benefit marginal fisherfolk as they need not buy costly commercial feeds to grow their fish," Alcala added.

Farmers urged to grow giant gourami. (2011, April 16). Manila Bulletin, p. B-6.