Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

Cabadbaran Aquatech Resources Corporation (CARC) is a dynamic aquaculture company based in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. Specializing in the farming, processing, and export of live and processed eels, CARC has established itself as one of the country’s leading players in the freshwater aquaculture industry. With a vertically integrated operation and a focus on sustainability, CARC serves both local and international markets with premium eel products.

Company Background

Founded and led by Rexie John C. Lagnada, CARC was built to transform Cabadbaran City into a regional aquaculture hub. Leveraging the natural resources of Agusan del Norte and advanced farming technologies, CARC operates multiple facilities including hatcheries, grow-out ponds, and processing plants. The company’s vision centers on creating a sustainable, export-driven aquaculture enterprise that empowers local communities and enhances food security.

Core Business Activities

CARC's core activities include:

• Aquaculture farming of live eels using controlled environment systems.
• Processing of value-added eel products such as unagi kabayaki and shiroyaki.
• Fish feed production and fish oil extraction for internal use and sale.
• Export and domestic distribution of live and processed eel products.

Product Portfolio

CARC offers a specialized range of aquaculture products:

Live Eels

• Species: Primarily Anguilla bicolor and Anguilla japonica.
• Target Market: Exported to East Asian countries, particularly Japan and Korea, where live eel is a high-value commodity.

Processed Eels

• Unagi Kabayaki: Grilled eel glazed in a sweet soy sauce-based tare.
• Shiroyaki: Grilled without sauce, maintaining a lighter and more natural flavor.

Fish Feed and Fish Oil

• Pelletized fish feed produced using sustainable ingredients.
• Fish oil used for nutritional supplements and animal feed formulations.

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition

CARC is uniquely positioned as one of the few companies in the Philippines offering:

• Full-cycle eel farming — from hatchery to export.
• In-house processing facilities that meet international food safety standards.
• Sustainability-focused aquaculture that minimizes environmental impact.
• Community-inclusive employment, employing and training locals in advanced aquaculture techniques.

Market Presence and Trade Activity

CARC has built a strong foothold in:

• East Asian export markets, where demand for unagi and eel products remains strong.
• Domestic distribution to hotels, restaurants, and specialty Japanese food retailers.

While official export volumes remain confidential, the company has been featured in multiple regional trade and investment promotions, indicating active and growing participation in global markets.

Infrastructure and Capabilities

• Hatchery and grow-out facilities equipped with recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).
• Processing plants with blast freezing and vacuum-packing capabilities.
• Cold storage units and logistics support to maintain product integrity from farm to port.
• On-site R&D to innovate feed formulations and improve farming efficiencies.

Compliance and Certifications

CARC adheres to the following:

• BFAR-accredited export facility status.
• Good Aquaculture Practice (GAqP) certification.
• Ongoing efforts toward HACCP and ISO certifications for processed products.

Social and Economic Impact

• Employment generation for rural communities in Cabadbaran and surrounding areas.
• Training programs for youth and displaced workers to enter aquaculture professions.
• Partnerships with LGUs and DTI for inclusive growth and trade capacity building.

Recognition and Testimonials

• Cited in regional business directories and government platforms for excellence in aquaculture.
• Featured in DTI Caraga’s promotional materials as a model SME exporter.
• Customer feedback highlights the high freshness and quality of CARC’s unagi products.

Strategic Milestones

• Successfully developed and exported the first batch of Unagi Kabayaki in vacuum-sealed packs.
• Established brand presence under CARC and Unagi Farm.
• Partnered with research institutions to pilot closed-loop eel farming systems.

Cabadbaran Aquatech Resources Corporation continues to elevate the standards of the Philippine aquaculture industry through technological innovation, export-driven growth, and community-centric development.