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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Zamboanga City sardine industry appeals for help

Zamboanga City sardine industry appeals for help

Published Apr 12, 2026 10:26 pm
ZAMBOANGA City Mayor Khymer Olaso, Sophil President Julius Daniel, and former Sophil President Jaydrick Yap during a press conference at the Zamboanga City Hall. (Photo via Liza Jocson)
ZAMBOANGA City Mayor Khymer Olaso, Sophil President Julius Daniel, and former Sophil President Jaydrick Yap during a press conference at the Zamboanga City Hall. (Photo via Liza Jocson)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The sardine industry appealed for assistance from the government in facing a serious decline in production due to mounting production costs from rising fuel prices.
In a press conference on Saturday, April 11, Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Association President Julius Daniel said the continuous oil price hikes have pushed the fishing and canning sector in Zamboanga City into a tipping point as it struggles to manage operational costs.
Daniel said among the effects of massive fuel hikes are fewer and shorter fishing trips which greatly affect production. Boats which normally travel to more abundant fishing grounds are unable to do so due to fuel conservation, he said.
The decline in output not only in Zamboanga City but also the whole of Zamboanga Peninsula has devastating rippling effects throughout the country as the region supplies an estimated 80 percent of fishery output and any interference in regional production translates to unsettling developments on the national level, Daniel said.
Sophil records showed that 17 canning companies have a fuel consumption of about 5.5 million liters per month, showcasing the magnitude of difficulty being experienced by the sector.
In addition to this, market prices of canned sardines remain the same, placing the fishery sector in an even more dire situation, Daniel added.
The fishing sector is a major source of jobs in Zamboanga City and the region and any disruption can lead to serious economic consequences, he warned.
Daniel said the fishing sector is appealing to the national government for intervention which may nclude but not limited to financial aid packages, fuel subsidies, and long-term policy measures to stabilize fuel prices.

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