GENERAL SANTOS CITY— Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. on Wednesday (Sept. 4) underscored the important role played by the tuna industry in generating investments, creating jobs and ensuring the country’s food security at the start of the 24th National Tuna Congress and Trade Exhibit in this southern city, hailed as the tuna capital of the Philippines.
In his keynote address at the National Tuna Congress, Secretary Tiu Laurel acknowledged the collective efforts and successes of the industry while emphasizing the need to confront significant challenges such as climate change, overfishing, and illegal fishing practices that threaten tuna stocks.
“The success of the Philippine tuna industry is a testament to our collective efforts and cooperation, our friendly and constructive competition. However, we must also confront the challenges we face. Climate change affects stock distribution and fishing efficiency, while overfishing, resource depletion, and illegal fishing threaten our tuna resources. We must enhance our industry’s competitiveness and resilience to navigate these challenges,” said the DA chief, who spent decades in the international fishing industry before joining President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet last year.
Secretary Laurel detailed several key initiatives aimed at strengthening the industry. These include the adoption of a National Tuna Management Plan, introduced in 2018, on sustainable management and combating illegal fishing activities and the reconstitution of the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Technical Working Group on Tuna Fisheries to ensure the plan’s effective implementation.
He said the government’s strategy to support the industry also comprise the Fisheries Management Areas initiative, designed to improve fish stock distribution and address overfishing; the National Payao Program and the Lambaklad Program which provide technical support and financial assistance to enhance fishing practices and increase incomes for local fisherfolk; establishment of the Tuna Conservation and Management Zones to protect tuna resources by regulating fishing and safeguarding spawning grounds.
Secretary Tiu Laurel also drew attention to the Philippine Rise Special Fisheries Management Area an under explored area awarded as Philippine terittory that promise significant potential for future industry growth. This region is seen as crucial for enhancing local fishing and contributing to national food security.
On the international stage, the Philippines continues to engage in global projects such as the Western Pacific East Asia Improved Tuna Monitoring Project and recently hosted the 20th regular session of the Scientific Committee of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
The global tuna market was valued around USD42 billion in 2023.
Secretary Tiu Laurel seeks to push capacity utilization of various tuna canneries in the country to create more jobs, entice new investments, and help ensure food security in the country.
The Philippines is one of the top global tuna producers in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, with tuna being the top export commodity, accounting for an average 479.7 million metric tons, or 11 percent of the country’s total fisheries production. Average tuna export of the country over the last five years stood at 107,608 metric tons.
International research and consulting firm 6Wresearch recently projected the Philippine tuna market size will grow by a compounded annual growth rate of 6.24 percent between this year and 2030 due to increasing global demand for seafood, heightened awareness of health benefits associated with fish consumption and a thriving canned tuna industry. Market trends are shifting towards eco-labeled and sustainably sourced products as consumers become more environmentally conscious, research noted.
The National Tuna Congress aims to provide a platform to share knowledge and experiences among stakeholders on advances in science and addressing emerging challenges in tuna production and the conservation and management of the highly migratory tuna stocks to ensure the sustainable growth of the Philippine tuna industry. The DA remains committed in supporting innovation and investment to ensure the sector’s resilience and continued success. ###
