The Philippine Association of Fish Producers Inc. (Pafpi) is calling for the creation of a department-level agency to oversee the local fisheries industry. The association believes that this move is necessary to make the sector globally competitive. Pafpi president Joseph Martin Borromeo expressed this request and hopes it will be addressed during President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address on July 24. Borromeo emphasized that the fisheries sector is too big to be handled by a mere line bureau and requires the necessary resources and competence to fulfill its mandate.
According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the local fisheries sector has been experiencing modest growth in recent years, with a slight downturn in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, fisheries production reached 4.356 million metric tons (MT) in 2018 and 4.415 million MT in 2019, showing a 1.35 percent annual increase. In 2020, production dropped by 0.33 percent to 4.4 million MT, and then grew by 3.45 percent in 2021 to 4.248 million MT. However, growth slowed to 2.2 percent in 2022, reaching 4.339 million MT. From January to March 2023, production growth was pegged at 2 percent, reaching 991,000 MT compared to the same period last year.
In addition to establishing the department of fisheries, Borromeo also called on the national government to require local government units to support aquaculture as an alternative livelihood for fisherfolk. He also urged the government to provide support and incentives for the private sector to participate in this endeavor. Furthermore, Borromeo highlighted the importance of reviving the local seaweed industry, which he believes can generate significant export revenue and provide employment opportunities for fisherfolk. He attributed the decline of the Philippine seaweed industry to low productivity, lack of government support, and continued importation from Indonesia.
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Omprakash Tiwary is a business writer who delves into the intricacies of the corporate world. With a focus on finance and economic landscape. He offers readers valuable insights into market trends, entrepreneurship, and economic developments.
Denial of responsibility! Samachar Central is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
