“For so long, foreign capitalists have taken advantage of our fisheries sector. They monopolize the value chain from production, processing, up to marketing and we are here to change that.”

These are the words of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol that set the agenda of the meeting of fishery product importers at the DA Central Office on June 10, 2019.

The importers and the agri chief agreed on establishing fish cages in selected coves across the country determined by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in order to boost the local fish production while strengthening and protecting the local market.

“Fishes that are nurtured at coves inside fish cages taste better and are easier to market,” Piñol added.

DA is eyeing on directing fishery product importers to establish fish cages in exchange for the approval or renewal of their importation permits. Piñol also urged the importers to invest in local aquaculture.

To make this process easier for the importers, DA will tap Land Bank to offer loaning programs with low-interest rates and insurance coverage from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).  Assistance from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Local Government Units (LGU’s) will also be sought to speed up the securing of the needed permits in the establishment of these fish cages. ### (Carlos Cezar Baldosa, DA-AFID)