Our country is an archipelago surrounded by water we have abundant species of

marine life especially fishes. In 2012, the Philippines ranked among the major fish

producing countries in the world with a total production of 3.1 million tonnes of fish,

crustaceans, mollusks and other aquatic animals. Aquaculture contributed 790 900

tons, or 25.4 percent, to the total fish production. Much of its production is consumed

locally with per caput fish consumption amounting to 32.7 kg in 2011. In addition, the

Philippines is the world’s third largest producer of farmed seaweeds with a production of

1.8 million tons in 2012. The fisheries and aquaculture industry employed an estimated

1.5 million people in 2010 nationwide; with fisheries accounting for more than 1 million.

The fishing industry contributes an estimated 1.8 percent (valued at 196 billion pesos) to

the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices, respectively in 2012. In

2013, exports of fish and fishery products were valued at USD 1.2 billion. Tuna was the

top export commodity, followed by shrimp and prawns. In the same year, imports were

worth USD 264 million.

Agriculture has been the traditional backbone of the our country`s economy. It is a

principal source of income and employment, employing almost half of the total labor

force. It is thus considered a major industry in our country. Agriculture also plays an

important role in Philippine economy. Involving about 40% of Filipino workers, it

contributes an average of 20% to the Gross Domestic Product

(GDP).But the results revealed that common problems encountered by our farmers

especially rice farmers were: high cost of inputs, low price of palay , lack of capital ,

labor problem , lack of postharvest facilities, pest and diseases and irrigation systems.
 With the use of aquaponics, plant growth will be faster because plans have the

access to nutrients 24 hours a day, so they grow faster.