By Lilybeth Ison/PNA
MANILA — There is a need to put together a national management plan to address the declining production of round scad (galunggong), which is considered one of the most economically important staple food fish in the country.
Agriculture Undersecretary and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) National Director Eduardo Gongona, in his speech at the opening of the two-day 1st Galunggong Summit held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Thursday, said that with the decline of galunggong production, “the country will not be able to satisfactorily meet the demand for fish and follow through with its food fish sufficiency goals.”
“This also means heavy losses for the Philippine fishing industry as galunggong is also a source of livelihood for small-scale fisherfolk, commercial fishing operators, and other stakeholders across the fisheries sector,” he added.
According to BFAR records, some 75 percent of galunggong production comes from commercial fisheries, of which 22 percent is landed in Navotas.
Gongona said the summit will serve as an avenue for sound discussion on the galunggong situation, where participants — such as science experts, policy makers, and industry stakeholders — will be able to pinpoint issues and offer recommendations.
Galunggong is considered a main source of inexpensive animal protein, making it popular among the ordinary Filipino household. It is also crucial to the marine ecosystem as it serves as food for bigger fishes and mammals such as tuna.
From 2007 to 2017, fisheries data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed a consistent drop of galunggong production — from 244,671 metric tons (MT) in 2007 to 126,533 MT in 2017.
As such, the government has started implementing measures like declaring “closed fishing season” for three months in select fishing grounds of the country, establishment of more marine protected areas, and implement an effective mangrove protection and rehabilitation program.
In September 2018, the government also allowed the importation of 17,000 MT of galunggong to pre-empt low supply and high prices during the closed fishing season in Palawan and the Visayan Seas from November 2018 to March 2019.
But, Gongona said these measures are not enough to increase the production of the commodity.
He hoped that by the end of the summit, the government, together with scientists and industry stakeholders will be able to solidify resolutions that will ensure the continued production of galunggong, as well as its long-term protection and conservation.
