COVID-19 has produced unprecedented changes in economic activity and lifestyles around the world. In response, the government through the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), imposed set strict policies on home quarantine and safety and health protocols to arrest the spread of the virus.
Against this negative backdrop, the fisheries sector is a “going concern” and has been operating amidst the pandemic. And why not? It is worthwhile to mention that Filipino farmers and fishermen constitute 20 percent of the national labor force - 8.53-million jobs based on Philippine Statistics Authority Labor Force Survey held in January 2020.
The fishing sector alone contributes 1.3 percent (valued at PHP746-billion) to the country’s gross domestic product in 2018 at constant prices. Exports of fish and fishery products were valued at $1,583-million. Tuna remained as the top export commodity with a collective volume of 171,452 metric tons for fresh/chilled/frozen/, smoked/dried, and canned Tuna products valued at $492-million.
To pay tribute to all our farmers and fishermen, Presidential Proclamation No. 33 s. 1989, declared the entire month of May as “Farmers and Fishermen’s Month”. This year’s theme is “Pagpupugay sa Magsasaka at Mangingisda Natin, Tungo sa Sapat na Pagkain”.
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| SFFAII Secretariat during the distribution of face shields and face masks to fisherfolks at the General Santos Fishport Complex. |
SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII) celebrated Fisherfolk’s Month by distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) consisting of sweat shirts, reusable face masks, and face shields to fishworkers on May 30, 2020 at the General Santos Fishport Complex in Tambler, General Santos City.
“With these tokens, SFFAII expresses our solidarity with the fishermen during these challenging times”, said Rosanna Bernadette Contreras, SFFAII executive director.
It will be noted that access to income and food has become more precarious to everyone including our fishers. However, these unsung heroes continue to work to provide food and ensure food security for everyone. In this very trying time, our farmers and fishermen deserve due recognition for their invaluable contribution to the economy and nation-building, Contreras concluded.
