Farmers group questions DA’s galunggong importation plan

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) on Thursday questioned the need to import round scad or galunggong, saying such a measure should be the last resort of the government.

According to SINAG, the country currently has an “ample” supply of local fish and fish products despite the devastation caused by Typhoon Odette in the Visayas and Mindanao in December.

“Nalunod ba ang mga isda nung Bagyong Odette? Nawala ba ang mga isda sa karagatan? Nasira ang mga banca ng mangingisda pero hindi naman nawala ang mga isda,” SINAG chairman Rosendo So said in an emailed statement.

[Did the fish drown during Typhoon Odette? Did the fish disappear from the ocean? The boats of the fisherfolk were destroyed but the fish did not disappear.]

So’s remarks come after Agriculture Secretary William Dar on Tuesday said he had approved the importation of 60,000 metric tons of fish, including galunggong, in the first quarter of 2022 to boost local production.

The importation is due to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) projection of a potential supply deficiency of 119,000 metric tons due to the closed fishing season, with the sector “severely” affected by Odette.

“Instead of protecting and helping farmers and fishers recover from the recent typhoon, we have a government agency that sides with importers and big traders. Inuuna ang kita sa panahon ng sakuna [Profits are being prioritized in times of disaster],” So said.

So said the government should not blame Typhoon Odette or the closed fishing season for its desire to import, but rather assist affected fishermen.

“Bigyan sila ng banca para makapangisda at malinaw na patakaran sa mga panahon at lugar na pwedeng pangisdaan,” he added.

[Give them boats to fish, and clear guidelines on the time and areas where fishing is allowed.]

Some lawmakers have also criticized the government's plan, warning this could deal a fatal blow to the local fishing industry.

The DA said that the importation is also in line with efforts to address the high prices of fish in wet markets.

Latest data from the DA show that prices of local round scad in Metro Manila markets average P260 per kilogram, up from P250 on Wednesday. Imported round scad average P240 per kilogram. — VBL, GMA News