The town of Hinigaran has the makings of becoming the "Grouper Capital of Negros Occidental."

A press release from the office of Rep. Ignacio Arroyo Jr. (Neg. Occ., 5th district) said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources recently launched in Hinigaran a fish technology for grouper culture. Arroyo, with BFAR Assistant Director Juliet Demo-os, turned over 1,000 grouper fish fry to Mayor Caroll Jack Guanco for stacking in fish cages located along the town's coastline.

Guanco welcomed the project, saying it will help boost the town's economy.

Arroyo urged the mayor to ensure the growth of the grouper fry for this can be a lucrative source of livelihood for coastal residents, the press release said.

Demo-os, for her part, said that the undertaking is a test project of the BFAR with the local government and it will eventually be turned over to cooperatives and other groups interested in grouper culture.

Arroyo said that grouper, locally known as lapu-lapu, has a ready market abroad especially in Asia and is also popular in Chinese and Filipino restaurants, the press release added.*

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