CATFISH URBAN FARMING: A PROPOSED LIVELIHOOD TRAINING PROGRAM IN MABOLO, NAGA CITY

This study, called “Catfish Urban Farming: A Proposed Livelihood Training Program in Mabolo, Naga City,” looked into how catfish (hito) farming in the city could become a steady source of income for the people of Barangay Mabolo. Using a descriptive-quantitative method and thirty (30) participants, the research examined the current situation of small catfish farms and what affects people’s interest in joining, especially the help they get from the government and NGOs. The results showed that although some residents already raise catfish, they face problems like flooding, lack of technical knowledge, poor water quality control, and limited access to organized markets, which lower their production and income. The flooding caused by Typhoon Kristine also led to fish losses and discouraged some farmers from continuing. Even with these problems, many participants said they are willing to do catfish farming if they receive proper training, financial help, equipment, and technical support. Because of this, a two- to three-day training program was suggested to teach pond setup, feeding and disease control, financial management, and cooperative building. The goal of the program is to help the community gain skills, improve farming methods, connect better with markets, and build a long-term and sustainable livelihood in Barangay Mabolo