An increasing number of fisheries are now becoming interested in making necessary changes and improvements to become sustainable as the market demand grows for sustainable seafood. This has led to considerable growth in organized efforts to improve fisheries towards sustainability, often called ‘Fishery Improvement Projects’ (FIPs).
The SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII), recognizing the importance of encouraging these improvements and increasing the availability of sustainable seafood products in the market is actively leading and encouraging the industry towards achieving fisheries improvement. SFFAII is supporting the Fisheries Improvement Project of its member-association Fresh Frozen Seafood Association of the Philippines, Inc. (FFSAPI) in collaboration with SARGEN Fishport Tuna Handline Fishing Association, Inc.(SARGEN Handline) to achieve fisheries improvement and, ultimately, a Marine Stewardship Council Standard Certification.
The Fisheries Improvement Plan of the SARGEN Fish Port Tuna Handline Fishing Association, Inc. Yellowfin and Bigeye Tuna Fishery in the Philippine Fisheries Management Areas 2 and 3 was launched on September 15, 2021 at the East Asia Royale Hotel, General Santos City.
During the Briefer of the FIP, SFFAII Executive Director Rosanna Bernadette B. Contreras presented the goals and activities of the Plan in addressing the gaps identified in the pre-assessment of the fishery. She explained that these activities will improve the fisheries sustainability and advance its ability to achieve MSC certification.
General Santos City Agriculturist Office Mr. Celso, General Santos City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council President Mr. Ramir Rendon, and Mindanao State University Vice-Chancellor for Research and Extension Dr. Edna P. Oconer have extended their messages of support and commitment to the project.
SFFAII, SARGEN Handline, and FFSAPI pledged their commitment acknowledging that the success of the fisheries improvement project rely on the utmost support, cooperation, and co-implementation of all stakeholders.
BFAR XII Regional Director Piloton commended SFFAII and the industry for this milestone. The industry can rely on BFAR XII’s unyielding solidarity and robust commitment in providing the necesssary support, appreciation, and protection to the fishing industries in the region despite the challenges brought by the pandemic.
In his message, SFFAII President Dominic Salazar strongly committed the industry’s support through SFFAII’s leadership and guidance and take on the tremendous challenge in implementing the plan. This is a call to action to all stakeholders to come together to achieve the goals of the initiative.
To mark the start of a great and exciting collaboration towards achieving the goals and objectives set forth in the Plan, a Memorandum of Agreement were signed between the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources XII and SARGEN Handline, between SFFAII and SARGEN Handline, and between FFSAPI and SARGEN Handline during the Launching.
BFAR XII was represented by its Regional Director Mr. Alfeo G. Pilton, SFFAII was represented by its President, Mr. Dominic R. Salazar and Executive Director, Ms. Rosanna Bernadette B. Contreras, FFSAPI was represented by its President, Ms. Emma F. Garay, and SARGEN Handline by its President Ms. Mercedes Ong and Corporate Secretary Ms. Marife Quiam.
