LAGAWE, Ifugao – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is pushing for the mass production of the Japanese loach, known as “yu-yu,” in the rice terraces to save the scenic paddies from deterioration as well as be one major source of livelihood for local folk.

Based on BFAR studies, yu-yu production is considered to be a profitable source of income and serves as an alternative source of livelihood for farmers, especially during the lean season.

Recently, the Hungduan Municipal Council passed a resolution making the highland fish its One-town, One-product (OTOP) and allocated 20 percent the local government’s development fund for the mass propagation of the yu-yu.

Since 2006, the town has been producing the fish by distributing fish fry to thousands of farmers who commit the same volume of fries the following year after growing and reproducing the same.

Experts cited propagation of yuyu gives farmers a chance to propagate other fish species aside from tilapia and carp which is being produced in other parts of the region.