A FISHERFOLK group expressed opposition to the government’s decision to allow the importation of 25,000 metric tons of frozen fish for wet markets.
In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Saturday, April 27, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) said the importation would have a negative impact on local fisherfolk.
“‘Yung apektado ng importation kami eh, ‘yung mga maliliit na mangingisda. Kasi ‘di hamak na mas mura naman talaga ‘yung imported compare mo sa lokal na produkto namin,” Hicap said.
Hicap made the statement after the Department of Agriculture (DA) issued the Certificate of Necessity to Import (CNI) under Memorandum Order No. 17 allowing fish importation of frozen small pelagic fish from October 1 to December 31, 2024.
The DA said the move will avoid delays in the importation of fish and stabilize fish prices in the market once the closed fishing season begins.
“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.
Hicap, however, believes otherwise.
“Hindi din nagsa-stabilize ang presyo, kasi ang nagtatakda ng presyo ‘yung mga traders eh,” he said.
PAMALAKAYA’s president said the government should look into other possible ways to address the expected shortage of supply during the closed fishing season instead of allowing importation.
“‘Yung lokal na produkto natin puwede yan i-preserve sa panahon na habang madami pa tayong huli ngayon ay nagpi-preserve na tayo… Kailangan talaga meron tayong post-harvest facility para makapag-stock tayo ng produkto ng isda,” emphasized Hicap.
BFAR previously 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. (GMA Integrated News
