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Advocates Philippines
PBBM Unveils Comprehensive Plan To Combat Overfishing And Enhance Aquaculture
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has announced a series of government measures aimed at addressing overfishing and revitalizing the Philippines' fish population and aquaculture industry.
These initiatives, disclosed during a media interview at the National Food Authority (NFA)-Region IX warehouse in Zamboanga City, include the imposition of fishing bans and other restrictions in specific areas designated for fish breeding and propagation.
President Marcos emphasized the need to preserve fish stocks for future generations, stating, "Kung minsan kailangan 'wag uubusin yung isda para sa next season mayroon pa" (Sometimes, we need to refrain from depleting fish stocks so that there will be some left for the next season). He further highlighted the importance of certain areas reserved for breeding, explaining, "(P)ara dumami ang population ng mga isda" (to increase the fish population).
These conservation efforts are integral to the government's broader plan to safeguard the nation's fish stocks and ensure food security. President Marcos underscored that developing the Philippines' agriculture sector extends beyond rice and corn production and includes improvements to the fishery and livestock sectors.
In addition to implementing fishing bans, the administration is taking steps to establish more cold storage facilities to prevent fish spoilage. President Marcos revealed that up to 30 percent of the fish catch currently degrades or becomes damaged due to inadequate storage conditions.
He elaborated on the measures, saying, "Walang cold storage. Kaya nagtatayo tayo ng cold storage" (There are no cold storage facilities, which is why we are building them). Furthermore, the government plans to provide ice-making facilities at small-scale fish landing areas. Fishermen can use this ice to preserve their catch and prevent spoilage.
President Marcos added, "Tapos ang isusunod natin after that ay 'yung processing na para doon lang sa isang lugar ang magiging processing. 'Yun ang ating mga pinaplano para sa fisheries" (Next, we will focus on processing in a centralized location. That is our plan for the fisheries sector).
These initiatives, disclosed during a media interview at the National Food Authority (NFA)-Region IX warehouse in Zamboanga City, include the imposition of fishing bans and other restrictions in specific areas designated for fish breeding and propagation.
President Marcos emphasized the need to preserve fish stocks for future generations, stating, "Kung minsan kailangan 'wag uubusin yung isda para sa next season mayroon pa" (Sometimes, we need to refrain from depleting fish stocks so that there will be some left for the next season). He further highlighted the importance of certain areas reserved for breeding, explaining, "(P)ara dumami ang population ng mga isda" (to increase the fish population).
These conservation efforts are integral to the government's broader plan to safeguard the nation's fish stocks and ensure food security. President Marcos underscored that developing the Philippines' agriculture sector extends beyond rice and corn production and includes improvements to the fishery and livestock sectors.
In addition to implementing fishing bans, the administration is taking steps to establish more cold storage facilities to prevent fish spoilage. President Marcos revealed that up to 30 percent of the fish catch currently degrades or becomes damaged due to inadequate storage conditions.
He elaborated on the measures, saying, "Walang cold storage. Kaya nagtatayo tayo ng cold storage" (There are no cold storage facilities, which is why we are building them). Furthermore, the government plans to provide ice-making facilities at small-scale fish landing areas. Fishermen can use this ice to preserve their catch and prevent spoilage.
President Marcos added, "Tapos ang isusunod natin after that ay 'yung processing na para doon lang sa isang lugar ang magiging processing. 'Yun ang ating mga pinaplano para sa fisheries" (Next, we will focus on processing in a centralized location. That is our plan for the fisheries sector).
Sep 19, 2023
