I WAS privileged to host the back-to-back events of the Tuna Industry on September 2, 2025, as they celebrated the 25th National Tuna Congress (NTC), which took place from September 2 to 4, 2025, in General Santos City.
In the morning of September 2, 2025, the Trade Exhibit opened to local, national, and global participants, fishing industry stakeholders, industry players, and the public, highlighted by a keynote speech of DTI Director Bianca Pearl R. Sykimte of the Export Marketing Bureau, and the turnover of the Vessel Management System (VMS) by the city government of General Santos, led by Mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao, to FFSAPI-SARGEN Handline Fisheries Improvement Project and the United Tuna Handliners Association.
In my research, VMS is a satellite-based surveillance system designed to track the location and movement of commercial vessels, particularly fishing boats, for regulatory and management purposes. It monitors and controls fishing activities, prevents illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing or IUUF, manages resources, and ensures the sustainability of marine environments.
By 7 p.m., the Welcome Dinner, hosted by the 25th NTC, was held at the posh Greenleaf Hotel, where the entire Pandan Ballroom was filled to the brim. It was a lovely sight to see people from different regions and other nationalities congregating in General Santos City. Such a sight! From where I stood, I could only smile at the turnout.
The evening’s highlights include the separate Oath-taking Ceremonies of the new SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII) board of trustees and officers, awarding of recognition to long-time industry partners from government, the private sector, and exhibitors, a Posthumous Service Award presented to the family of the late Juetchin “Rocky” Andagan as a cherished member of the SFFAII Secretariat, and the message of Congresswoman Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles of the Lone District of General Santos City.
In her discourse, Bañas shared, “The data tells a very encouraging story. In 2023, our tuna catch rose by 8% from the previous year, and in 2024, we saw a remarkable 26% increase. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent the sweat and sacrifices of our fisherfolk, the resilience of our industry, and the continuing promise of General Santos as a hub of prosperity.”
She highlighted the role of the industry as it forged the city from its humble beginnings, grew and nurtured it, and progressed with it over the years. City residents recognize that the industry has provided jobs, built livelihoods, created entrepreneurs, and given the city a sense of pride and identity. “Our economy thrives because of the men and women who keep this industry alive—from those who brave the seas—ang atong mga mananagat, the business sector, those who work in the processing plants, traders, and exporters that market our tuna to the world,” Bañas continued.
On a positive note, Rep. Shirlyn stressed that she filed House Bill (HB) 0937, calling for the creation of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, a dedicated department that will ensure that fisherfolk, aquaculture communities, and the tuna industry receive the full attention, funding, and policy-making focus that they deserve in the House of Representatives. She hopes that with the partnership and support of industry leaders, the legislation will pass, creating a stronger institutional backbone for the growth of the fisheries sector. She also mentioned her recent brief meeting with DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in the House of Congress, where she received a strong endorsement of proposed HB 0937.
Bañas likewise highlighted HB 3839, seeking to upgrade the Sub-Port of Dadiangas into an independent Customs Collection District, to be called the Port of General Santos, and to designate it as one of the principal ports of entry of the country, independent from the Port of Davao.
Bañas explained that this measure aims to streamline trade facilitation by enabling direct dealings with the Bureau of Customs Central Office through the Port of General Santos, thereby reducing delays and cutting unnecessary costs such as storage and demurrage. In turn, it will help lower commodity prices, recognize General Santos City’s strategic role in trade and logistics, and accelerate port development.
“More than just an infrastructure upgrade and governance restructuring, this port is a strategic investment in competitiveness, sustainability, and the future of the tuna industry,” Bañas concluded.
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My heartfelt congratulations to SFFAII, the fisherfolk, industry leaders, industry stakeholders, and the residents of General Santos City for growing the industry, braving the odds, pushing the limits, standing strong, and making a huge difference in the lives of the Filipino people.
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Woman Talk with Belinda Sales is taking a wellness break. You may send your email to belindabelsales@gmail.com. Follow us on X at @ShilohRuthie./PN
