Aquaculture ventures need long-term permits
Adopting an SAP can be a major livelihood program for LGUs aligned with the national government’s call for sustainable food production
Daily TribuneAdopting an SAP can be a major livelihood program for LGUs aligned with the national government’s call for sustainable food production
An aquaculture exporter has urged local government units, or LGUs, to pursue a sustainable aquaculture program, or SAP, that seeks to generate jobs and help beef up food security.
In a press briefing, Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc., or PCAFI head Norberto Chingcuanco, who is also Feedmix Specialist Inc. vice president, asked LGUs to issue long-term aquaculture permits. This will ensure long-term investments in the fishery sector.
Adopting an SAP can be a major livelihood program for LGUs aligned with the national government's call for sustainable food production.
It should be an intentional policy program to attract private sector investments.
Proper zoning required
"These policies should contain proper zoning and site exclusivity per company or group.
Long-term permits encourage investments," Chingcuanco said.
Also integrated into the SAP should be priority employment for local or native communities within the LGU.
It should implement safety and labor standards. Fees and rentals should also be appropriate to cover the costs of monitoring and regulations.
Chingcuanco lamented that the government has made it easier to import raw fish instead of processed meat.
PCAFI president Danilo Fausto said the government should also boost the production of fries to increase fish output.
"It should put up more hatcheries where fish and shellfish are spawned and hatched until they are large enough to be transferred to an aquaculture farm," according to Fausto.
"Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources figures showed tilapia fry and fingerling production was 208.35 million in 2020 while annual demand is 2.1 billion tilapia fingerlings," Fausto said.
Even local communities will benefit from an LGU-based SPA as they will have priority access over food that is produced.
