Group hits government over 35,000 metric tons fish imports

MANILA, Philippines — The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) has expressed strong criticism against the government’s intention to import about 35,000 metric tons of fish.

In a statement issued yesterday, the group asserted that the government “seems to be disregarding the resolution of the production crisis.”

“They are aware of the closed fishing season in the country’s major fisheries every year but no contingency plan is implemented to ensure that the expected fall in fish production does not end up in imports,” the fisherfolk group said in Filipino.

The organization has consistently advocated for strengthening local production through measures such as providing support to fishers, including a fuel subsidy, before the three-month closed fishing season.

Pamalakaya also emphasized the necessity of having post-harvest facilities like cold storage to ensure the preservation of fish and would guarantee sufficient supply in the months following the closed fishing season.

“We once again remind President Marcos, who is also the secretary of the Department of Agriculture, that importation is dangerous to the livelihood of fishermen,” it said.

Past reliance on imports has significantly decreased the value of catch from small-scale fisherfolk, particularly galunggong (round scad).

In some areas such as Palawan, the farm gate price of galunggong dropped from P80-P100 per kilo to P50-P60 per kilo due to the influx of cheaper imported fish, Pamalakaya said.

The group emphasized that the current import plan is unacceptable, especially as there is a temporary ban on catching round scad.

It said the Philippines’ waters are abundant with various fish species, offering alternatives that are both affordable and rich in protein.

Every year, a three-month closed fishing season is implemented for galunggong from November to February in major fishing grounds like the Visayan Sea, Bicol region, Batangas and Palawan.

The government eyes to import 35,000 metric tons of pelagic fishes, including galunggong, matang baka (bigeye scad), bonito, moonfish and mackerel for wet markets from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2023.