The Department of Agriculture will soon craft a roadmap that will benefit shrimp producers and other movers of the local aquaculture industry, signifying the government’s support to all the sub-sectors of Philippine fisheries.
“I am here to give the Filipino farmers and fishers what they need, and make sure that they realize that the Duterte administration cares for them.”
This, in a nutshell, was the message of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol during the 11th National Shrimp Congress, held in Bacolod City on November 16, 2017.
“I will await for the outcome of this congress and lead a Technical Working Group that will establish a set of guidelines that will direct you towards a progressive and competitive sector,” the agri chief added.
In his message, Piñol stressed that he is a servant of the people.
“I am tasked to deliver to all of you what was supposed to be given to you for a very long time, and I am sorry that it taken this long,” he said.
Piñol, who didn’t want to put blame on anybody, said that it’s high time that the Filipino people receive the right service.
He added that under the administration of Pres. Duterte, all government agencies are directed to utilize funds in implementing effective programs and projects.
For the Department of Agriculture, we continue to allot a big chunk of our funds to various agricultural assistance and interventions.
“These money belong to the people, we are only here to facilitate where will they be used and utilized,” he said.
“You have been neglected for a long time, and we will not allow that to happen anymore. Change has come,” Piñol said.
The agriculture chief together with key officers of the DA regional field unit in Region 6 and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources led by its National Director, Undersecretary Eduardo Gongona, graced the 11thShrimp Congress themed Sustainable Shrimp Industry: United Direction Towards Productivity and Growth.
The 3-day congress will serve as a venue for discussion of various concerns within the shrimp industry.
Piñol is positive that the congress will produce positive effects to the industry that caters to both the local and international markets and provide livelihood opportunities to many Filipinos. (odarodriguez/DA-AFID)
