PH to import 25000 MT fish —DA

To ensure a stable supply of fish before the closed fishing season, the  Department of Agriculture (DA) has authorized the importation of 25,000 metric tons of frozen fish for wet markets.  

Under Memorandum Order No. 17, the DA issued the Certificate of Necessity to Import (CNI) 25, 000 MT of frozen small pelagic fish for wet markets from October 1 to December 31, 2024. 

According to a "24 Oras" report by Bernadette Reyes, the department released the memorandum to avoid delays in the importation.  

“Makakatulong ito para mag-stabilize ang presyo kapag panahong closed fishing season dahil alam naman natin na talaga magkakaroon ng gap sa supply gawa ng sarado ang ating mga pangunahing fishing grounds,” said DA spokesperson Nazzer Briguera. 

The number is lower than the 35,000 MT allowable imports last year.

DA said the Maximum Importable Volume (MIV) under a CNI shall be allocated to registered importers based on the following:

— For registered importers under the commercial fishing sector,  80% of the MIV shall be allocated based on the fish landings of each of the commercial fishing operators who have valid Commercial Fishing Vessel and Gear License (CFVGL) qualifed to participate in the current importation period. For the volume of landings outside PFDA ports, only 20% of said volume shall be credited for the computation of the allocation.

— For the fisheries associations/ cooperatives, the 20% of the MIV shall be based on their performance taking into consideration the percentage arrival of fish imported from the immediately preceding importation period.

“Moreover, the BFAR shall assess the financial capacity of the importer under this category. Only fisheries associations and cooperatives affected by the closed fishing season and have the financial capacity to import shall be qualified to participate in this importation period,” the department added.

It also provided the guidelines for allocation to qualified importers. 

However, the National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organization in the Philippines or PAMALAKAYA said importing fish has no basis and it may affect the country’s local industry, especially the Filipino fishermen. 

“Kung ang dahilan natin, possible na meron tayong shortage supply, gumawa tayo ng programa (kung) paano natin maangkupan yung possible na magkaroon ng kakulangan ng supply sa sarili nating produksyon,” said the group's chairman, Fernando Hicap. 

Fishermen in Sorsogon and Ilocos Norte are also against the importation order.

“Malulugi kami sa pangingisda namin, kasi ang isda namin dito magiging mura na,” said a fisherman. 

BFAR countered the groups opposing importation.

“Kapag panahon ng closed fishing season, unang-una ang municipal fisherfolk naman, they can still go fishing. Ang prohibited lang naman mangisda kapag panahong closed fishing ay yung ating mga commercial fishing vessel operator,” said Briguera. —LDF, GMA Integrated News