Tilapia

Tilapias have laterally flattened bodies that range from about 10 to 30 cm (about 4 to 12 in) in length. They feed on a wide variety of food, including insect larvae, crustaceans, juvenile fish, worms, various plants, and detritus. Some species can survive in waters with oxygen concentrations as low as 0.1 parts per million, and one species inhabits hot springs with water temperatures as high as 40° C (104° F). However, most species of tilapia are not so tolerant.

Tilapia became a part of Filipinos table aside from galunggong, because of the fact that its a fresh water fish. It is also delicious and easy to prepare. It is easy to preservve and it takes a long time before it cant be eaten.

The Tilapia May Festival

In commemoration of the fisherfolks month, every May San Pablo city celebrates Tilapia May Festival. Its a month long celebration for the local industry of tilapia and other aqatic products from the 7 lakes of San Pablo.

One of the agricultural resources of San Pablo are the marine products from the lakes. And to celebrate the bountiful harvest every year the government of San Pablo consider making this festivity possible, for our local fisherman and fishfolks all over the city proper and rural barangays.

Industry of Tilapia

Mr. and Mrs. Jose C. Agahan introduces tilapia in San Pablo, the now famous City of Seven Lakes,by seeding Sampaloc Lake near the City Hall, and Palakpakin Lake at Barangay San Buenaventura, with tilapia fingerlings on summer month of Year 1955 at no cost to the local government unit. Tilapia is now the number one table fish in the world Dr. Kevin Fitzsimmons of the College of Agriculture of University of Arizona and Vice President of the World Tilapia Association (WTA) said last September at the 6th International Seminar on Tilapia in Agriculture (ISTA 6).

Events in the Festival

Different events are inline in the celebration of the festival such as the Diwata ng Pitong Lawa, a seach of true beauty that will help in advocating the preservation of the lakes of San Pablo.

Balsa Regatta, a challenge of true strenght of our fisherman as they try to finish their course around the river. And to promote tourism in our lakes in San Pablo.

And ang pinakamasarap na lutong Tilapia, a challenge of how to make the most delicious dish from Tilapia. Which is one of the main events of the festival of the city of seven lakes.