Galunggong importation will drown PH fish industry

As one of the countries located in Southeast Asia, Philippines was known for its archipelagic characteristics wherein almost all places are surrounded by water. That’s why the country is undeniably rich in aquatic resources such as fish and seashells.

But now, the government is preparing for the importation of fish, especially round scad (galunggong) in order to solve the supply shortage in the local market due to the devastation caused by the Typhoon Odette.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) supported by the Department of Agriculture (DA) is the mastermind behind this fish importation proposal.

According to them, the plan was to import 60,000 metric tons of galunggong to China for the first quarter of 2022.

They also encourage not just the traders and fish vendors but also fisherfolks union to import fish.

This proposal is a clear manifestation that BFAR understanding on the situation was shallow.

Our small fisherfolks are not able to import fish, only big companies and traders are capable of doing that.

Aside from that, there are reports that China’s vessels are harassing our Filipino fishermen who are peacefully catching fish in the West Philippine Sea, which is our territory.

That is the problem of BFAR until now, the organization was barking at the wrong tree.

They rely too much on foreign products, seeing it as a solution without knowing that it will only add to the problem by killing our fish sector.

The country is already importing other products such as fruits, vegetables and pork. And now the department is planning to import fish, this is unacceptable and shameful for our country.

If only the BFAR is doing their job right with the help of our government in supporting our local fish sector in increasing the supply of fish, there will be no room for fish importation and all Filipinos can buy and eat galunggong at a cheaper price.

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