THE Philippines needs a responsive fisheries code that will empower the fishing industry and fisherfolk so that it can generate employment and contribute to economic development and food security.
This was stressed by AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee, who at the 6th National Sardines Industry Congress and Trade Exhibit said that the fishing industry should welcome the appointment of a Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary who is from the fisheries sector: Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
According to Lee, who gave the keynote speech at the Congress, “for the first time, meron tayong DA Secretary na galing sa industriya ninyo.”
“The knowledge and experience he has in growing his company should be a great asset for the department, one that the fishing industry can tap,” said the Bicolano lawmaker, who was also a businessman before entering public service.
Prior to being appointed Agriculture chief, Laurel was the president of the Frabelle Fishing Corporation, a company that grew from a small trawl fishing company into one of the biggest deep-sea fishing companies in the region.
Lee revealed that he is open to creating a fisheries agency separate from the DA so that “it can really focus on maximizing the potential of our fisherfolk and our fishing companies.”
“But before we do that, we must first consider revisiting our fisheries code so that it can empower the industry’s stakeholders. I-consult natin ang industry leaders, at mga fisherfolk NGO—lahat ng may maiaambag para maiayos ang fisheries code natin.”
“Winner Tayo Lahat kung lumago ang fishing industry, lilikha ito ng maraming trabaho at mas lalaki ang fisheries output, na makakatulong naman sa food security,” Lee explained.
Organized by the Southern Philippines (SOPHIL) Deep Sea Fishing Association, Inc., the participants of the Congress tackled latest developments in the sardines industry as well as the major issues confronting it.
