IGACOS Freedom Park, November 20, 2022 – From Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, 174 betta and 116 guppies were contended and showed-off at the Ber month Flare Guppy, and Betta Fish Show. The competition was facilitated by the City Agriculture’s Office, headed by Mr. Jimuel Rebigan, and its faction, the Fishery Division, headed by Mr. Junmark Millana, with the cooperation of the IGACOS Ornamental Fish Association (OFCA) headed by Mr. Amroden Macabidar.

Under the two categories, Betta and Guppy, there are major and minor awards with a corresponding plaque and cash prize. In the Guppy category, the major award "Best of Female", with a cash prize of 1,500, was won by Mr. Jaylord Matinagnos. Mr. Michael John Masagnay won the "Best of Any Other Tail" and took home the cash prize of 1,500 pesos. The “Best of Juvenile”, with a cash prize of 3,000 pesos, was bagged by Mr. Jorge Ybaṅez III and the “Best of Show”, with a cash prize worth 10,000 pesos, was secured by Mr. Gedex Lorica. Minor awards were given to 25 other entries under the Guppy Open Category and the Guppy 3 MB Category.

In the Betta category, the major award, "Best of Show" with a cash prize of 10,000 pesos, was bagged by Mr. Justin Gumawid. In the category champions and non-regular categories, 11 entries received minor awards.

One of the participants, Mr. Jhun Lozada, a resident of Agdao, Davao City, has been joining the competition for 5 years and has already won 3 "Best of Show" awards. He commended the local government of IGACOS for the well-organized competition and expressed his gratitude for the provided opportunity.

The competition that unifies the ornamental fish enthusiast does not only aim to promote the hobby as a livelihood across all ages but also aims to boost the tourism in Samal through featuring the Island to the contestants as a recommendable and a must-visit tourist destination. (CIO-IGACOS / Eli.O)