ANOTHER exciting event is happening in General Santos City in September 2025, as the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII) mounts the 25th National Tuna Congress and Trade Exhibit at SM City General Santos! Dubbed “Tuna Congress at 25: Casting a Stronger Net of Partnerships for a Sustainable Future,” the landmark experience will be held from September 2 to 4, 2025.
On its silver anniversary celebration, marking a major milestone in the country’s fishing industry, the Congress brings together over 1,200 participants comprising tuna value chain industry leaders, policymakers, fishers, processors, scientists, development partners, and youth stakeholders.
With the theme, “The National Tuna Congress @ 25: Renewing Commitments and Intensifying Strategic Partnerships,” the event applauds the shared gains over the past two and a half decades and a forward-looking commitment to adapt to global sustainability, trade practices, and labor standards.
“The 25th National Tuna Congress is not only a celebration of how far we’ve come but also a call to action,” said Kenrick G. Teng, chairperson of the 25th National Tuna Congress (NTC). “In an era of global sustainability commitments and increasing market standards, we must renew our collective resolve and strengthen partnerships that drive innovation, improve compliance, and uplift the lives of fishing communities,” Teng added.
The event opens on September 2 with the 25th NTC Caravan, Thanksgiving Mass, the ceremonial Opening of the Trade Exhibit, and the All-About-Handline Summit, catering to municipal tuna fishers and inclusive sustainability efforts.
On September 3, the Congress Plenary will feature high-level discourses with Agriculture Secretary Francisco T. Laurel Jr., Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Executive Director Rhea Moss-Christian, and BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig, followed by expert-led discussions on tuna stock health, capture and canning industry sustainability, Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing enforcement, and traceability.
“We carefully curated sessions that not only examine the science and economics behind tuna, but also amplify voices from the ground, including handline fishers and MSMEs. We want every participant to walk away with insights, partnerships, and renewed commitment,” stated Annie M. Cabreros, chairperson of the 25th NTC program committee.
“The challenges we face from IUU fishing to market access and labor accountability require good policy and genuine cooperation. This Congress is about intensifying that cooperation with government, with development partners, and most importantly, with the communities that depend on tuna for their livelihood and identity,” explained Rosanna Bernadette Contreras, co-chairperson of the program committee and SFFAII executive director.
The activities set for September 4 include a) Technological tools for maritime domain awareness; b) International market updates and trade deals; c) Updates on the FFSAPI-SARGEN Handline Fisheries Improvement Project; d) Presentation of the 2025-2030 National Tuna Management Plan; and e) Preliminary findings on the impacts brought about by Fish Aggregating Devices on endangered marine species.
The Congress will culminate with the adoption and ceremonial turnover of the 25th Congress Resolutions, a special message from NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, and the Farewell Dinner at Greenleaf Hotel.
SFFAII is a non-government, non-profit organization established in 1999 as an umbrella group for seven associations. Its members span the entire value chain, from the capture fisheries sector — encompassing handline fishers, small, medium, and large commercial ring netters, and purse seine operators — to the fish processing sector and exporters.
The following member associations comprise SFFAII: Southern Philippines Boat Owners and Tuna Association; South Cotabato Purse Seiners Association; Umbrella Fish Landing Association; SARGEN Shrimp Stakeholders’ Association, Inc.; Tuna Manufacturers Association of the Philippines; Fresh Frozen Seafood Association-Tuna Processors Philippines, Inc.; and Tuna Cooperative of General Santos City.
The federation aims to unite the various fishing associations and allied industries in the region to work together, ensuring a sustainable and globally- competitive industry amidst continuing challenges. Being the industry’s voice, it communicates relevant issues and concerns and lobbies for decisive policy agendas. It is a safe venue to raise specific problems and concerns and resolve fundamental issues. Additionally, it strengthens industry representation and positioning vis-à-vis other world players to protect, expand, and maintain the country’s strategic lead in the tuna industry.
For inquiries, you may contact the SFFAII Secretariat at tunacongress@yahoo.com.
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