Japanese-Led Shrimp Venture in Davao Oriental Aims to Revolutionize Aquaculture with Nanobubble Technology
ABC FARM LLC, a Japanese-led shrimp farming operation located in Governor Generoso (GovGen), Davao Oriental, is poised to significantly enhance vannamei shrimp (whiteleg shrimp) production across the Davao Region through the innovative application of nanobubble technology. In an exclusive interview with Sunstar Davao on February 7, 2026, Seiji Maruyama, CEO of ABC FARM LLC, revealed ambitious expansion plans that include acquiring an additional 24 hectares of land, situated approximately 50 minutes from the original farming site.
Expansion and Employment Opportunities
Maruyama emphasized that the expansion will lead to a substantial increase in local employment. Currently, the farm employs 18 workers, but with the new developments, the workforce could grow up to six times larger, providing a significant boost to the community. He stated in Japanese, "Began in Mindanao, but later on we will bring this to Luzon, to the Manila market, the pilot area is in Governor Generoso." Furthermore, within the next five years, the company anticipates diversifying into grouper fish production, leveraging ongoing research at the University of the Ryukyus in Japan, which is expected to conclude by that time.
Nanobubble Technology Accelerates Shrimp Growth
Traditionally, vannamei shrimp require three to six months to reach adulthood, depending on environmental factors. However, ABC FARM LLC has successfully reduced this growth period to just two months through the use of nanobubble technology. Akihiro Takemura, a professor at the University of the Ryukyus, explained that while it is widely recognized that nanobubbles positively impact shrimp growth, the precise mechanisms remain under study. "Some people say that oxygen concentration of the body increases through bubble but nobody knows how," he noted. The specialized equipment generating these nanobubbles was sourced internationally, highlighting the farm's commitment to advanced technological integration.
Farm Operations and Production Capacity
Spanning 4.5 hectares, ABC FARM LLC operates 12 active containers housing an estimated 180,000 shrimp. The facility harvests approximately 30 metric tons of vannamei shrimp monthly, showcasing its efficiency and scale. Since 2018, the group has pioneered a land-based shrimp aquaculture model in Davao Oriental, utilizing a fine-bubble system and sustainable practices through collaborations with academic institutions such as the University of the Ryukyus, University of the Philippines Visayas, and the Mongolian University of Life Sciences.
Strengthening Japan-Philippines Relations
This venture has been designated as a commemorative project for the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan, themed "Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities." Ono Hirotaka, Consul General of Japan in Davao, expressed strong support for the initiative, praising the collaborative efforts between industry, government, and academia. He highlighted that such partnerships are essential for addressing complex challenges in today's rapidly evolving world, with industry providing practical expertise, academia driving innovation, and government creating an enabling environment.
Economic Impact and Local Support
Juanito C. Inojales, municipal mayor of GovGen, welcomed the Japanese investment, noting its potential to boost the local economy and generate employment. He stated, "I want to support this in order to generate employment, as well as create joint revenue that can help in the development of the City of Governor Generoso." The mayor attributed the choice of location to the high-quality seawater and the welcoming nature of the local community, expressing readiness to support further business expansions.
Advancing Philippine Aquaculture
Allan Reyes, chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (PCCIJ), underscored the significance of this investment, describing it as a transformative approach to aquaculture in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. He remarked, "This is Japanese technology combined with Filipino ingenuity, the Filipino labor can do, so I think we need more of these projects." Reyes advocated for a strategic shift from manufacturing to agriculture and aquaculture, emphasizing the need to strengthen food production to support the growing population and reduce reliance on overseas employment.
