TABLE OF CONTENTS Honoring Food Heroes: A Resounding Success of Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month Celebration and Mangingisdang Direktor Program DA-BFAR’s Livelihood Support Breathes New Life into Pag-Asa Island The Philippines at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, Spain The Editor’s Note RMATDEC in Lucap, Alaminos City, Pangasinan: A Beacon of Hope for Sustainable Aquaculture DA-BFAR in Action: Oriental Mindoro Oil Spill Reponse 348 16 20 26 Rules and Regulations for the Protection of Cetaceans and Whale Sharks from Purse Seine and Ring Net Fishing Operations What ISDA Name? 27 12 About the cover: The cover features Ms. Conchita Q. Roldan (center), esteemed Regional Fisherfolk Director, Mr. Ramir C. Rendon (left), the 2023 National Fisherfolk Director with over 40 years of recognized service, and Mr. Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon (right), a distinguished fisherfolk leader and environmentalist, honored with the 2021 Ramon Magsaysay Award for outstanding contributions. Tilapia Meets Longganisa: The Birth of Longpia in a Fisherfolk’s Kitchen 23
ADVISORY BOARD Atty. Demosthenes R. Escoto Director Isidro M. Velayo, Jr. Asst. Director for Technical Services Zaldy P. Perez Asst. Director for Administrative Services EDITORIAL BOARD Nazario C. Briguera Editor-in-Chief Kaye Kirsteen M. Alegado Junior Editor Mary Joyce S. Kipte Maryluz Jamella A. Blancaflor Audrey Marie B. Fontanilla Elaine Jasmin R. Endaya Jhonrick C. Orense Writers Joyce Ann A. Javier Jade Ronn R. Ambrosio Lay-out Artists Glaiza R. Hernandez Technical Researcher Crisel S. Marcelo Distribution Randy Emmanuel M. Dela Cruz and Regional Information Officers Photographers Regional Advisers Regional Directors CAR - Lilibeth L. Signey, CESO V I - Rosario Segundina P. Gaerlan II - Dr. Angel B. Encarnacion, CESE III - Wilfredo M. Cruz NCR - Noemi SB. Lanzuela, D.F.Tech IVA - Sammy A. Malvas IVB - Emmanuel H. Asis, DFT, CESE V - Ariel U. Pioquinto VI - Remia A. Aparri VII - Allan I. Poquita, Ph.D. VIII – Dr. Hannibal M. Chavez IX - Al-Zath K. Kunting, RFP X - Edward B. Yasay XI – Raul C. Millana, MFT XII - Usop D. Pendaliday, Jr. XIII - Omnia B. Olama BARMM Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Agrarian Reform - Minister Mohammad Yacob Regional Information Officers Rodelyn De Vera Jamille Ann Estolas Aileen Silva Gedielyn Morales Mildred Alan Rosalie Cuyugan Elvira Lutero Veverlyn Samadan Jenie Gardon-Loyola Mary Frietzy Alvarez Dennis Macalindong Anjelica Tiarra Dela Cruz Kristelle Rodane Tadal Jessica Cordova Rowena Briones Rheane Joy Senangote Kim Monterona Christine Gresola Imelda Kimpa Christine Lyn Viajante Jixselynn Portacion Omar Sabal Janel Padro Andy Ordoña Concepcion Canlas Johanna Mae Padama The Fish Files Magazine is published by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and distributed free of charge to interested individuals and institutions associated with fisheries and aquatic resources. You may send contributions to: The Editor, Fish Files Magazine Fisheries Building Complex, BPI Compound, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City Email: [email protected] [email protected] THE EDITOR’S NOTE CASTING THE NETS ANEW Another year has passed and the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources casts the nets anew in seizing new breakthroughs for the fisheries industry. This year, the Bureau’s goal is aligned with the long-term plan of increasing fish production through aquaculture. Behind this plan is the aim to contribute to food security while easing pressure from capture fisheries and enabling our resources to recover. Increased fish production through aquaculture is envisioned to be realized by executing strategies that the government and key stakeholders jointly drew up. To spur the growth of aquaculture, various interventions are identified along the value chain covering the areas of pre-production, nursery production, grow-out production and post-harvest and marketing. To ensure that aquaculture drives the spike of fish production volume, various specific strategies that will address the need for sufficient supply of fry and fingerlings are formulated. This includes the improvement of national technology centers and TOS, operationalization of legislated hatcheries and many other similar interventions. For grow-out production, the intensified promotion of fish cage culture in mariculture parks and potential offshore areas is a primary measure. Providing our fish farmers with the necessary post-harvest, logistic support and marketing assistance in every segment of the value chain completes the list of strategic action points. The full implementation of these carefully considered and formed strategies would allow the government through the DA-BFAR to guarantee that fish is readily and sufficiently available for all Filipinos at all times. With the continued support from stakeholders and the new leadership breathing in new inspiration to the whole organization, it is very likely that the Bureau will haul victories not No Shore Is Too Far Distance is not a hindrance for the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture to deliver the government’s livelihood support for the fisherfolk. The agency is deeply committed to providing opportunities to fisherfolk in far-flung coastal communities in a bid to improve their income and productivity. Coinciding with the 125th commemoration of the Philippine Independence on June 12, 2023, a multi-mission civilian patrol vessel, BRP Dagohoy, operated by the DA-BFAR and the Philippine Coast Guard embarked on a two-day journey from mainland Palawan to Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. The voyage was part of the agency’s continuous program to empower the fisherfolk on the island by helping them maximize their catch in the fishing ground that belongs to the Philippines. With the support of the Philippine Coast Guard, DA-BFAR’s ground operations personnel braved the turbulent seas to transport a P4.95 million-worth of initial livelihood support package, which include reinforced plastic (FRP) boats, marine engines, hand lines, fish aggregating devices, and basic post-harvest equipment. Personnel from the Post-Harvest Technology Division have also conducted a brief training on proper fish handling, good manufacturing practices, and fish processing sanitation standards to help fisherfolk preserve the economic value of their catch. The recent successful mission to Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea by the DA-BFAR is just part of the agency’s measures to ensure that the services of the national government are available and accessible to all Filipino fisherfolk. Despite the distinct feature of our country as an archipelagic nation, the DA-BFAR will continue to reach out because no shore is too far for a government whose primary mission is the progress of Filipino fisherfolk and their families.
4 | FISH FILES 2ND QUARTER 2023 In a resounding celebration of this year’s Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month, the Department of Agriculture (DA), together with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and other attached agencies, paid tribute to the unsung heroes of the country’s food industry. The monthlong celebration and festivities not only highlighted their vital role but also raised awareness about the challenges they face and their need of support from the government. Guided by the theme, “Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya”, this annual celebration celebrated every month of May aims to recognize the modern-day heroes who tirelessly toil our lands and seas, honor their invaluable contributions, and highlight their role as partners of the government and the country’s backbone in poverty alleviation and food security. The celebration kicked off with an aweinspiring parade, which featured vibrant Filipino agricultural crops, fish products, and locally made goods that brought together farmers, fisherfolk, and various stakeholders on May 1, 2023 at the DA Headquarters in Quezon City. Mangingisdang Direktor Program As the whole nation celebrates Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month, DA-BFAR’s program, Mangingisdang Direktor, marks another milestone as another fisherfolk leader got elected and was bestowed with a rare honor of being selected as the National Fisherfolk Director for 2023. This remarkable journey began when Mr. Ramir Rendon, a humble fisherman from the coastal village in General Santos City, was elected as this year’s National Fisherfolk Director. Born and raised in a family deeply rooted in fishing, Mr. Rendon has spent decades casting his nets and braving treacherous waves to make a living. His profound understanding of the sea and its intricacies has earned him immense respect among his peers. Among his advocacies are fisherfolk welfare and coastal resource protection over the past four decades that he is the leader of various fishery organizations in General Santos City. His remarkable contributions and facilitation skills led to his election as the president of the Ilocanong Mandaragat Association from the years 2014 to 2018. He also served as the president of the Gensan Tuna Handliners Association for three years. Currently, he holds the esteemed position of Chairman of the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC) and
FISH FILES 2ND QUARTER 2023 | 5 President of the Unified Tuna Handliners Association and worked closely with law enforcement units from the BFAR Regional Office XII and various private and government agencies. Under his guidance, the CFARMC successfully organized seminars, orientations, and information campaigns aimed at empowering marginalized municipal fisherfolk and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources in fishing practices. During his tenure as the National Fisherfolk Director, he embarked on a month-long immersion in the BFAR’s Central Office and gained firsthand experience of the government’s operations, assuming the role and functions of regular directors in the implementation of key non-policy determining programs of the Bureau. He also made a priority to visit different training centers of the Bureau. By immersing himself in the day-to-day operations of these centers, he sought to gain firsthand knowledge of their primary functions. These visits allowed him to witness the training and development programs offered to fisherfolk, ranging from sustainable fishing techniques to entrepreneurship skills. As his month-long tenure as the National Fisherfolk Director came to an end, Mr. Rendon’s journey served as a testament to the potential of ordinary individuals to effect positive change. His story serves as a reminder that the path to success is not always measured in personal achievements but in the positive impact one can create within their community. During the culminating activity, Mr. Rendon thanked the Bureau for the opportunity and urged the government to intensify its efforts to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and other harmful practices in the fishing industry. “Ako po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa oportunidad na ito. Dahil dito maipapa-abot ko ang mga magagandang balita sa mga kapwa ko mangingisda. Ang kagandahan ng programang ito ay lubos na nagbigay ng sigla sa amin. Ako po ay umaasa na mapagpapatuloy ang mga magagandang programa kung saan ang lahat ay makikinabang alinsunod sa tinatahak nating daan tungo [sa] Masaganang Agrikultura at Maunlad na Ekonomiya,” he said.
6 | FISH FILES 2ND QUARTER 2023 “Ngunit sa aking paglilibot, napansin ko rin ang mga kinakailangan at dapat pa nating tugunan. Katulad ng implementasyon ng batas para sa mga Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing upang mas matugunan ang karagdagang produksyon sa ating pangisdaan,” he added. Meanwhile, to further dramatize and popularize the program and bridge the gap between the government and the fisherfolk community, DA-BFAR National Director Atty. Demosthenes Escoto and the regional directors engaged in community immersion to witness the different situations and concerns through the exposure to real-life situations in fisherfolk communities. Atty. Escoto, together with Regional Director Ariel Pioquinto of BFAR Region V, embarked on immersion activities in Calabanga, Camarines Sur by assuming the role of a fisherfolk. These activities were designed to provide him with an intimate perspective on the day-to-day activities and challenges faced by fisherfolks in their communities. One of the highlights of Atty. Escoto’s immersion activities was his hands-on involvement in the day-to-day fishing operations, which began at the bustling fishport in purchasing fish directly from the local fishermen and engaging in conversations with the fisherfolk. His activities did not stop at the fishport, as he embraced the laborintensive task of pagtutuyo or fish drying. He began by cleaning and removing the scales and gills from the fish up to the laying of the butterfly-cut fishes on the bamboomade nets. During his immersion, Atty. Escoto held a community dialogue and took time to engage with the local officials and fisherfolk leaders, where he created an environment of trust where the voices of the fisherfolk were not only heard but also actively considered in the Bureau’s decision-making process. This helped him gain a comprehensive understanding of the fishing communities’ needs and enabled him to develop policies and programs that would address their problems and improve their lives. In his closing message during the culminating activity, Atty. Escoto stressed the importance of the program to strengthen the partnership of the government and the fisherfolk communities. “Naging makabuluhan ang pagdiriwang natin ng buwang ito upang mas mapagtibay ang balikatan sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at ng sektor ng pangisdaan. Para sa ating mga Regional Directors na kapwa ko namuhay bilang isang mangingisda, gayundin ang mga fisherfolk leader na tumayong Regional Director, nawa’y ang karanasan na ito ay magsilbing daan upang mas pahusayin pa natin ang pagbibigay serbisyo sa sektor ng mga mangingisda at magbigay liwanag upang mas maintindihan ang mga serbisyo at ng DA-BFAR,” Atty. Escoto said. These immersion activities were not just a symbolic gesture but a transformative experience for all the leaders of the Bureau. By assuming the role of a fisherfolk, they gained invaluable insights into their lives, struggles, and aspirations. Their dedication set a new standard for leadership which left an indelible mark in the Bureau and in the fisheries sector. 2023 Outstanding Fisherfolk Another highlight of the month-long celebration was the recognition and awarding of the outstanding individuals and organizations in the agricultural and fisheries sector who had demonstrated innovation and sustainable practices held at the Bureau of Soil and Water Management last May 15, 2023.
FISH FILES 2ND QUARTER 2023 | 7 In recognition for their invaluable contribution to the development of their communities and the fisheries sector, the Bureau conducted the nationwide search for this year’s Outstanding Fisherfolk. Awarded during the event are: Ms. Conchita Q. Roldan Ms. Roldan is the current Regional Fisherfolk Director of BFAR MIMAROPA. She is also the Chairperson of three major fisherfolk organizations in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, namely: Federation of Fisherfolk Association of Rizal, Occidental Mindoro Tuna Fisheries Federation, and the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) to which she received the Regional Gawad Saka Award for two (2) consecutive years. Mr. Ramir C. Rendon Mr. Rendon, 2023 National Fisherfolk Director, is an active Fisherfolk leader in many different fishery organizations in General Santos City. His notable contributions and facilitation from his current and previous services for more than 40 years have made him an automatic recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Fisherfolk Recognition. Mr. Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon Mr. Ballon, fondly called as “Ka Dodoy’’ is a fisherfolk leader with more than 40 years of fisherfolk experience, an environmentalist, and Chairperson of the Kapunungan sa Gagmay ng Mangingisda sa Concepcion, a fisherfolk organization in Kabasalan, Zamboanga. His decade-long leadership and effort in ensuring sustainable livelihood development for his fellow fisherfolk and mangrove restoration as well as coastal resource protection earned him numerous awards including being the only Filipino among the laureates of the prestigious 2021 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee (Asia’s version of Nobel Prize). The month-long celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month concluded with a recognition ceremony for all the participating stakeholders. This celebration served as a reminder of the importance of supporting and uplifting Filipino farmers and fisherfolks, who play an important role in ensuring a sustainable future for all. Their resilience and unwavering commitment to our nation deserve our utmost gratitude and continued support as we work together to build a more food-secure and equitable nation.
8 | FISH FILES 2ND QUARTER 2023 DA-BFAR’s Livelihood SuppFisherman Larry Hugo stood on the dock, his gaze fixed upon the boats graciously provided by the government. He gently touched the Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boats that lined up the shore, feeling the sturdy texture of their hull beneath his calloused fingertips. His face radiated with gratitude and anticipation, knowing that these boats would significantly uplift the small yet thriving fishing community of Pagasa Island in the Municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan, to which he belonged. Pag-asa Island, also known as Thitu Island, is the biggest and the only habitable among the islands in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea. The area is teeming with fish, especially high value species, and is home to healthy and vibrant corals. Its pristine turquoise waters have long served as a livelihood source for Mang Larry’s family and the 60 other households on the island. “Salamat sa Diyos (Thank God),” he exclaimed, “malaking tulong itong mga bagong bangka sa aming kabuhayan (these new boats will tremendously aid us in our livelihood).” The 10 new FRP boats, provided by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) under the Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yields and Economic Gains from the West Philippine Sea (LAYAG-WPS) Project, were aimed at providing fishing gear and skill training worth approximately P80 million to the fishing communities near the West Philippine Sea within the year, in an effort to help them increase their production. Mang Larry and the fisherfolk group of Pagasa Island were the first beneficiaries of the LAYAG-WPS project. Capture Fisheries Under the leadership of National Director Atty. Demosthenes R. Escoto, the DA-BFAR personnel embarked on a journey from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, to Pag-asa Island on June 12, coinciding with the celebration of the 125th Philippine Independence. Their mission was to deliver nearly P5 million worth of livelihood inputs. Braving the tumultuous sea, they spent 30 hours aboard the multi-mission offshore civilian patrol vessel BRP Francisco Dagohoy, also known as MMOV 5002, just to reach the remote island, situated some 500 kilometers from Palawan’s capital, Puerto Princesa.
FISH FILES 2ND QUARTER 2023 | 9 port Breathes New Life into The FRP boats — along with other provisions such as boat engines and accessories, deep-sea payao, rain catchers, plastic Last year, the estimated fish production for the entire West Philippine Sea exceeded 275,000 metric tons, contributing 6.36 percent to the overall production of the Philippine fisheries sector. This estimate, which is lower than the 2021 production of 295,000 metric tons, combines the production data of marine capture fisheries from both municipal and commercial sectors in Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, National Capital Region, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA. Studies also showed that the coral reefs of Pag-asa Island are vital for the long-term sustainability of the Philippines’ marine resources as they replenish the coastal fish stocks in the major fishing grounds of northwest Luzon and Palawan. “Lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa mga bangkang bigay ng gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng BFAR. Napakalaking tulong po ito sa aming mga mahihirap na mangingisda (We are grateful for the large boats given by the government through BFAR. This is a significant help to us, especially to the poor fishermen in our area),” said Mang Larry, who serves as the president of the Kalayaan Palawan Farmers and Fisherfolks Association. On average, the fisherfolk of the island could catch up to 20 kilograms per day, which they could sell for up to P2,000 to the uniformed personnel stationed on the island. Most of them also work in construction projects on the island, where they earn P600 daily. floaters, super twines, and lead sinkers — were transported to Pag-asa Island through BRP Dagohoy. With the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, these items were unloaded on the island. The capture fisheries equipment provided to the members of the Kalayaan Palawan Farmers and Fisherfolks Association were expected to enhance their catch in the resource-rich West Philippine Sea.
10 | FISH FILES 2ND QUARTER 2023 Mang Larry, having lived on the island for 15 years, expressed his optimism about increasing their catch using the new equipment provided by the DA-BFAR. As a single father of two, the 44-year-old fisherman aspires to augment his income to provide for his children’s needs and education. He said he wanted to save more money to send his children to the city capital, where they could pursue a college education. “Hanggang high school lang po ang eskwelahan dito sa amin. Pangarap ko para sa kanila makapag-aral ng college at magkaroon ng magandang trabaho, magandang buhay (Only high school education is available on the island. My dream is for them to study in college and have a better life),” Mang Larry shared. Post-Harvest During the Pag-asa Expedition, the Bureau also provided post-harvest equipment and hands-on training on proper fish handling, manufacturing practices, and sanitation standards to the members of the Spratlys Strong and Brave Women Association. The equipment included HDPE fish containers, weighing scales, chilling tanks, and fish stalls. Through this program, the DA-BFAR assisted the community in prolonging the economic value of their catch and reducing the country’s post-harvest losses, which stand at 25 percent from FY 2023-2028, according to the Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry Development Plan. One of the beneficiaries of the post-harvest training was 38-year-old Geraldine Rafols. She has been working in the municipal government of Kalayaan to support her husband, who is also a fisherman, in providing for the needs of their three children. “Itong mga training at gamit ay magagamit ng kababaihan dito para magkaroon kami ng dagdag na mapagkukunan ng kita sa pag-preserve ng mga huling isda (These trainings and tools will be utilized by women here to provide us with an additional source of income in preserving the remaining fish),” she said. For Ruvielyn Hugo, secretary of the Spratlys Strong Brave Women’s Association, all government assistance in the island is valued, especially since its residents are still reeling from the impacts of Typhoon Odette. “Kailangan po namin ang mga tulong na ito lalo pa na sobra kaming tinamaan ni [typhoon] Odette. Nasira ang marami sa mga pag-aari namin. Kaya lubos kaming nagpapasalamat sa mga ayudang dumarating rito sa Pag-asa Island (We need this assistance, especially since we were severely affected by Typhoon Odette. Our belongings were destroyed. That’s why we are grateful for the aid that is coming to us here in Pag-asa Island),” she said.
FISH FILES 2ND QUARTER 2023 | 11 Prior to the DA-BFAR’s expedition to Pag-asa Island, the Bureau has been augmenting the fisheries activities operating and situated in the area, especially those in Pag-asa Island, through the provision of FRP boats and hand lines, payao and lambaklad fishing technologies, marine engines, and post-harvest equipment to local fisherfolk. The DA-BFAR has also been supporting the operations of the Community Fish Landing Center in the Municipality of Kalayaan, as well as the use of a ring netter for Taytay, Palawan. Government Service Following the Pag-asa Expedition, which commenced on June 12 and concluded on June 17, Director Escoto announced that the Bureau would return to Pag-asa Island and deliver livelihood packages to other provinces within the vicinity of the West Philippine Sea as part of the LAYAG-WPS project. Under the project, the DA-BFAR also seeks to provide fuel subsidies for municipal and commercial fishing boats, 62-footer and 20-footer FRP boats, fishing gears and paraphernalia such as lambaklad, deep sea and offshore payao, marine engines, and hook and line gears, seaweed propagules, and additional salt production facilities to West Philippine Sea fisherfolk. It also includes capacity-building programs for fisherfolk beneficiaries and Fisheries Management Areas (FMA) bodies, as well as upgrading patrol equipment to strengthen the country’s fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. “We want to enhance the capacity of fishermen to improve their productivity and income, especially in far-flung areas like Pagasa Island. It is crucial to manage fisheries through protection and balancing production and conservation,” Director Escoto emphasized. Some 377,000 individuals engaged in fishing activities in the West Philippine Sea are expected to benefit from LAYAG-WPS. This number is based on the FishR data of the DA-BFAR as of January, which includes municipal fishermen and crew members of commercial fishing vessels. As a member of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, Director Escoto stated that the DA-BFAR will fulfill its mandate of equipping Filipino fisherfolk with tools and skills they can use to harvest sustainably and contribute to the attainment of food security in the country.
12 | FISH FILES 2ND QUARTER 2023 Returning to the 29th edition of the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, Spain after more than three (3) years of non-participation due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines, an island pavilion occupying a total space of 180m2, showcased an array of premium quality freshchilled, fresh frozen, ready-to-eat, and a variety of gourmet seafood from fifteen (15) companies, namely Agri-Aquatic Care Enterprise, Inc.; Bluefin Seafood Export, Inc.; Philbest Canning Corporation; D&L Seafoods; E.M. Buenaventura
FISH FILES 2ND QUARTER 2023 | 13 Trading; Fisherfarms, Inc.; FRI Seafood Trading; Jam Seafoods, Inc.; Jarla Trading; Penamae Fish Trading; J.N. Mercado Seafood Supply; Nuevo Fresco Marine Trading Corp.; Pearl Foods Int’l, Inc.; RGE Agridev Corporation; and Well-Delight Network Corporation. The Philippine delegation was led by the Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther E. Bayate, together with Ms. Amor G. Diaz, Chief of the Fisheries Industry Development and Support Services Division (FIDSSD), Ms. Farramae C. Francisco, Chief of the Enterprise Development Section of FIDSSD, and Mr. Stephen Arlo Lapid of BFAR RFO 3. The delegation was joined by Agriculture Attaché Kristine Jeanne Yap from Brussels, Belgium, Consul General Maria Teresa Lazaro and Consul Raisa Mabayo from the Philippine Consulate Office in Barcelona, Spain. During the show, several quality and serious buyers visited the Philippine pavilion compared with the show’s edition when it was held in Belgium. Most of the companies were able to meet with their existing buyers from across the globe and were also able to meet new and potential buyers. Most of the buyers were importers from Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Japan, Lebanon, Germany, USA, Australia, Korea, China, Taiwan, Denmark, Greece, Vietnam, Netherlands, UK, UAE, Israel, Sweden, Russia, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Poland, Belgium, Norway, Singapore, Ecuador, Ukraine, and many more. One of the highlights of the show is its annual Seafood Excellence Global Awards which recognizes the best seafood products represented at the exposition, to which Fisherfarms’ Corn and Coconut Breaded Shrimp was nominated as finalist together with other 39 contenders from 16 countries. The awards reception was held on the 25th of April and was dominated by Viciunai Group of Belgium for its entry, Black Sepia Dumplings with Shrimp and Thai Broth Filling which won the award for Best Retail Product and Unima Distribution for its Organic Body-Peeled Madagascar Shrimp which won the grand prize for Best HORECA product of the year. According to the exhibitors, Philippine seafood, particularly tuna (fresh chilled/frozen H&G, loins, steaks, saku bars, canned), octopus, crab meat and value-added products continues to be in high demand in EU and neighbouring markets. Tuna remains the top seller among the exhibitors, followed by octopus, pasteurized canned crab meat and value-added milkfish products. It was highly observed in this edition of SEG that Fisherfarms’ fish sausages and milkfish-based products (deboned, fillet, marinated, smoked) were the company’s best sellers. Several foreign buyers from Lebanon, Italy, Norway, Germany, Australia, UAE, and Kuwait were receptive of the Philippines’ milkfish in value-added form. Cooked octopus was also noticeably in high demand. The market appreciates quality cooked octopus at competitive prices. The Philippine participation in this year’s edition garnered an aggregated sales (booked and negotiated) of USD 120,665,000.00 (~ PhP 6.7 billion) at an exchange rate of USD 1.00 = PhP 55.50 (BSP, 2 May 2023). Booked sales amounted to USD 3.62 Million (~ PhP 201 million) while the negotiated sales grossed at USD 117 Million (~ PhP 6.5 billion). In general, all seafood companies/exhibitors were very satisfied with the show as they were all able to meet their objectives in participating in the event. Many of them shared and expressed that through the government’s full support, the country’s continued presence in this type of global seafood show enables them to position our country in the global fishing and seafood arena, where they can showcase our worldclass seafood products. Garnering positive outcome from this year’s participation, all the companies are looking forward to the next edition of the event next year. Philippine delegates together with the Agriculture Attaché and seafood exhibitors during the opening day on 25 April 2023 at the Philippine pavilion Fisherfarms’ Corn and Coconut Breaded Shrimp was nominated as finalist for the Seafood Excellence Global Awards together with other 39 contenders from 16 countries.
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