Input Use Efficiency and Profitability of Grow-Out Tilapia Cage Production in Bunot Lake, San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines, 2025

Date

6-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Antonio Jesus A. Quilloy

Committee Member

Geny F. Lapiña, Maria Angeles O. Catelo

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Abstract

This general objective of the study was to assess the input use efficiency and profitability of tilapia cage production in Bunot Lake. The following specific objectives of the study were: 1) describe the input usage of tilapia cage production; 2) evaluate the input use efficiency of tilapia cage production; 3) assess the profitability of tilapia cage production; and 4) determine the problems encountered in tilapia cage production. Complete enumeration of 40 registered cage operators engaged in grow-out tilapia farming were interviewed. Using production function analysis, the study found out that the grow-out tilapia cage production in Bunot Lake was inefficient in utilizing inputs. Specifically, stocking density was below the optimal ratio of 75 fingerlings/m2. Meanwhile, feeds and labor hours were found to be overutilized, signaling inefficiency. Despite the input use inefficiency, the grow-out tilapia cage operators generated a positive gross margin equal to PhP 8,324.59 per 600 m2 fish cage per cropping cycle. This modest gross margin is sufficient to encourage operators to continue production in Bunot Lake, threatening its sustainability, potentially causing greater losses for both lake users and society. However, the tilapia cage production was found to be at a net loss equal to PhP 48,655.68 per 600 m2 fish cage per cropping cycle. This economic loss may encourage cage operators to cease production in the lake, as continuing operations under current conditions appear neither financially viable nor sustainable over time. Based on these findings, the study recommended the following: 1) strengthening regulatory policies in the lake, 2) encouraging alternative livelihoods, and 3) explore other areas for future study.

Language

English

LC Subject

Tilapia, Fish culture—Environmental aspects, Cage aquaculture

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2025 A14 M37

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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