PHOTO RELEASE
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña is briefed on the raft method, a sustainable and environment-friendly technology for growing oysters, during his visit at the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Innovation and Technology Center (DPITC), PCAARRD Complex, Los Baños, Laguna. De la Peña visited the Center during the simultaneous holding of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) in four science community hubs and 16 regional offices of the Department of Science and Technology.
The raft method uses a square/rectangular structure of framed bamboo with cross beams buoyed up by empty metal drums, plastic drums, old blown interior tires, styrofoam, ferrocement buoys, or empty five-gallon plastic containers installed in grow-out site and anchored to the bottom using a polyethylene rope. The raft method is expected to contribute in improving oyster production in the country, which is faced by rising production costs and slack demand. This is primarily attributed to poor sanitary quality of oysters sourced from farms in shallow coastal areas.