DA ramps up fisheries plan

Manila, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture is ramping up its efforts to synergize plans and programs in the fisheries sector as it moves toward achieving a sustainable and inclusive blue economy for the Philippines.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar has directed the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) to synchronize programs to achieve a blue economy.

According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.”

In particular, Dar has ordered the crafting and implementation of a national fisheries development program that harmonizes the strengths of the PFDA in fisheries infrastructure, NFRDI in research for development on sustainable fisheries, and BFAR in implementing innovative and programs that will particularly benefit small aquaculture and coastal fishers through increased productivity and fish catch, while protecting the country’s aquaculture and marine resources.

Dar cited the importance of the “blue economy,” considering that the Philippines is four-fifths water and one-fifth land.

“The blue economy is a source of economic growth – not just a way to protect nature, but as a major source of food, jobs, and incomes.

Healthy seas are key not only for the health of our environment, but also to accelerate economic growth, create jobs, and fight poverty,” Dar said.

Dar likewise underscored the urgent need for the “Big Brother, Small Brother” partnership in the fishery sector.

Under the said strategy, a project will be pilot-tested by the NFRDI that aims to foster linkage between municipal and commercial fishers to improve shared and sustainable resource utilization.