BFAR launches 5-year fisheries development plan

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) launched an updated fisheries industry development plan, aimed at boosting productivity and competitiveness of the sector.

In a statement yesterday, BFAR said it formally launched the new Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry Development Plan (CNFIDP) earlier this week.

The CNFIDP was initially developed for the period of 2006 to 2025, providing a clear and comprehensive framework for promoting the optimal development and long-term sustainability of the benefits the country gains from its fisheries sector, according to the BFAR.

BFAR said extensive consultations were done with hundreds of stakeholders and industry players from four major fisheries sub-sectors particularly aquaculture, marketing, post-harvest and capture fisheries.

“The main thrust of this development framework for the fisheries sector is anchored on the key strategies that the DA wants to establish and strengthen, with emphasis on large-scale production, commercialization and consolidation,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said.

For the capture fisheries sector, the development plan aims to increase commercial fisheries production by four percent, while municipal fisheries is aiming for a five percent increase within five years.

“This is to be achieved through the implementation of effective management interventions as part of the key strategies and action plans outlined in the CNFIDP,” the BFAR said.

In the aquaculture sector, the CNFIDP aims to increase bangus or milkfish production by six percent.

Moreover, the targets for the post-harvest subsector, as stated under the updated CNFIDP includes a 10 percent reduction in post-harvest losses within five years, and an 80 percent compliance to hygiene and sanitation standards of all fish processing establishments in the Philippines.

“Lastly, the trade and marketing subsector agreed to prioritize interventions, such as market linking, capability development and improving access to credit, which are recognized to be advantageous in weakening, if not, eliminating challenges in the subsector,” the BFAR said.