Fisheries Sector's Help Sought

Agriculture Secretary William Dar challenged the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) workforce to work harder to produce long-lasting results and increase the contribution of the fishery sector to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

He posed the challenge to dozens of officials and staff of BFAR, led by Director Eduardo Gongona, during the inauguration of the new Fisheries Building Complex, along Visayas Avenue, in Quezon City, on July 21, 2021. The complex houses BFAR’s main offices and the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI).

“I strongly urge you — the men and women of BFAR — to unleash the potentials of the country’s fishing industry, particularly the aquaculture sector, and ensure sustained bigger growth,” Secretary Dar said.

“Your new building and facilities provide you the best of environment to really work harder and harder. We know that you are all dedicated, hardworking, and you can produce results. You just have to continue to have good focus on the things that you must do, because that would bring BFAR to a higher level of growth and development,” he added.

While the fisheries sector currently contributes about 17 to 18 percent (%) to the GDP in agriculture, secretary Dar said it could further increase if relevant programs and projects are efficiently and effectively implemented to unleash the sector’s potentials.

He said BFAR should sustainably develop the aquaculture sub-sector, aimed particularly at increasing the production of bangus, tilapia and shrimps. Priority should also be given to seaweed and shellfish production.

“It’s not just about improving productivity, but see to it that supplies are abundant and properly mobilized during the lean months and closed fishing season to temper fish prices and food inflation,” said the Agri chief.

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