By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
On Tuesday (Nov. 25), Department of Agriculture (D.A.) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. approved the additional importation of 8,280 metric tons of frozen small pelagic fish to address the impact on domestic supply of recent typhoons.
The agriculture chief has issued the necessary certificate to import 30,000 metric tons of frozen small pelagic species such as round scad and mackerel, which was adjusted “to address the effects of Typhoons Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika, Ofel and Pepito on the fish supply for the fourth quarter of 2024.”
The initial fish import volume is intended to supplement supply in wet markets during the closed-fishing season in major fish spawning areas in the country. The closed-fishing season starts in November and extends through mid-March.
Furthermore, the sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) for the additional fish import volume will be issued until December 16, and fish imported during the validity of SPSICs must arrive in the country by January 30 next year.
Meanwhile, Secretary Tiu Laurel said the allocation of 8,000 metric tons will not affect the previously allocated Maximum Importable Volume while the 280 metric tons shall be allocated for the KADIWA ng Pangulo centers.
The frozen fish intended for the KADIWA ng Pangulo centers were meant to provide an affordable source of protein to those who belong to the vulnerable sectors such as indigents, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens.
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