A progressive fishers’ group has criticized the Department of Agriculture (DA) for its planned importation of 25,000 metric tons (MT) of fish, warning that the move would be detrimental to local fisherfolk.
The DA has earlier approved the importation of 25,000 metric tons (MT) of frozen fish and seafood to “maintain a steady food supply and curb price hikes.”
As stated in Memorandum Order No. 12, signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the importation will be allowed from March 1 to May 30.
Despite the DA’s justification, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) argues that the proposed importation would drive down fish prices in the country, further hurting the already struggling local fishing industry.
“Labis na nalulugi ang mga mangingisda sa pagdagsa ng mga imported na isda sa lokal na pamilihan. Dahil sa importasyon, lalong bumabagsak ang presyo ng huli ng mga mangingisda (Due to the influx of imported fish, domestic fishers lose profit. The catch of local fishers further declines because of importation),” Pamalakaya Chairperson Fernando Hicap said.
Hicap argued that the DA’s planned importation is unjustifiable, emphasizing that there are sufficient alternative fish species available in local markets.
He noted that instead of lowering fish prices, the importation would benefit private traders who control the market.
“Halimbawa sa Zambales, naglalaro lamang sa P100-P120 kada kilo ang farm gate price ng galunggong. Pinangangambahang lalo pang bumagsak ito sa pagpasok ng mga inangkat na isda na bagsak-presyo pero bilasa (For example, in Zambales, the farm gate price of galunggong (round scad) is only around P100-P120 per kilo. There are concerns that this price will drop even further with the entry of imported fish, which are cheap but not fresh),” he added.
Hicap also stressed that importation does not necessarily result in lower fish prices for consumers, as private traders ultimately control the market.
He further accused the DA of favoring the commercial fishing sector, which he claimed is “directly involved” in the importation scheme, while leaving small-scale fishers neglected and their production crippled.
“Malinaw na pumapabor ang DA sa sektor ng commercial fishing na sangkot mismo sa importasyon, habang lubhang pinabayaan at nilumpo ang produksyon ng maliliit na mangingisda (It is clear that the DA is favoring the commercial fishing sector, which is directly involved in the importation, while severely neglecting and crippling the production of small-scale fishers),” he added.
Pamalakaya said that under the administration of President Marcos, the DA has already imported over 80,000 metric tons of fish, mainly galunggong and other pelagic species.
The group said that it will conduct nationwide consultations with its local chapters to assess the impact of the impending importation and organize protest actions demanding greater support for local fisheries production.