Support system for fisherfolk needed to counter effects of Red Tide

We call on the Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and local governments to develop support mechanisms for fisherfolk whose incomes are drastically affected by red tide.

Tatamaan talaga niyan ang mga mangingisda at mga nangangalakal ng ganitong paninda. Dahil bawal kumain ng tahong at talaba at bawal ring magbenta, mawawalan sila ng kita. At kung minsan, may mga magpupumilit na magbenta kahit na ito ay bawal ito ay posibleng makamatay dahil iniisip nila ay yung kakainin ng kanilang pamilya sa araw na 'yon. Kapit sa patalim, kumbaga. Para maiwasan ito, kinakailangan ng mga apektadong mangingisda ng pansamantalang ayuda mula sa pamahalaan, para na rin makaiwas tayo sa sakuna.

We also call on the private sector to use the country's aquatic resources in a more responsible and sustainable manner because when red tide hits, everyone loses, from the fisherfolk and communities all the way to industries that rely our waters for income.

Lahat tayo talo sa red tide. Kailangan natin ng sama-samang pagkilos para matugunan ang problemang ito dahil taun-taon itong nangyayari, at hindi naman pwedeng hanggang ngayon ay wala pa rin tayong solusyon dito.

This is why we're calling on the national governmentt, the local governmentts, and the private sector to help us in responding to the issue. As a country dependent on our marine resources, let's look for creative solutions to ensure that red tide does not claim more lives or sources of livelihood.

Allocate calamity funds to rehabilitate fingerlings industry

We urge Malacanang to allocate funds to fast track the recovery of losses incurred by the agricultural sector in the wake of typhoons Pedring and Quiel.

We need immediate restocking of bangus fingerlings in small fishpens in Bulacan and other areas damaged by the typhoons. Left alone, it would take them 60 to 75 days to restock. That would take too long. If we don’t act fast, this will impact our food supply chain.

We also urge the Department of Agriculture to give away fingerlings for free to fishpen owners to help them recover.

Most of these fishpen owners are left with nothing. Wala na rin silang pambayad para mag-restock. Instead of subsidizing, the DA should give away fingerlings for free.

Data from the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food (PCAFI) show that more than 36,000 metric tons of bangus and tilapia were lost due to typhoon Pedring alone. In Hagonoy, over 7,000 hectares of fishponds were destroyed. Figures are expected to go higher as officials tally the damages. BFAR can get fisherlings from their stock as well as private hatcheries. The government needs only to allocate funds for the DA to be able to give away the fingerlings to fisherfolk as soon as possible.

Let us prioritize small fishfarmers and help them get back on their feet and help mitigate the damaging effects of the typhoon. If we don’t do so soon, we will feel the immediate effects on our food supply chain. We urge the government to allocate and release funds now for the immediate restocking of our food.

Local mariculture could be a goldmine for the country

Local mariculture could provide the country a much needed economical boost.

Our seas are naturally filled with so much bounty. We need more of Panabo Mariculture Parks set up on different coastlines around the country. Both local and foreign investors are attracted by the profitability of such projects. In fact, the strategic location of the Philippines alone could turn the country into an aquamarine resource powerhouse in Southeast Asia.

However, there is a need for cold storage facilities to make our fish industry more competitive. Panabo has none. There is also the need to find markets for our goods. We enjoin the private sector to invest in Philippine mariculture. An investment of half a million pesos can be recouped in less than two years time, provided the investor has access to the market.”

If we are able to address the gaps in our mariculture industry it will not only feed our hungry people, it will also be a source of huge revenues for our country.

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