In the mad rush to import almost everything, our policy makers have missed out so many opportunities simply because they have failed, by intention or omission, to explore the vast potentials of this country.
Last week, a 15-year-veteran in Aquaculture, Jonathan Cabasa of Inca Mariculture Plastics, joined me in a long journey from Kidapawan City to Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay to check on the coastal areas along the way ideal for fish cage farming.
After seeing the calm coastal waters of Illana Bay, Cabasa described the area as a “paradise” for fish cage farming capable of producing the fish requirements of the country.
There is one very important measure which must be undertaken at the Senate floor to achieve this.
Let us establish through Legislation a 10-Year Fisheries Development Program provided with automatic appropriation to ensure the continuity in spite of political shifting sands.
As part of the program, let us establish three huge, well-equipped and experts operated hatcheries for Bangus and other high value fish, one each for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Right now, the country is importing one half of its Bangus fry requirements from Indonesia.
Second, government must support local feeds producers and fund research to develop locally formulated feeds using available materials.
Third, Fish Consolidation Centers equipped with modern cold storage, processing and packaging facilities must be established in major fishing grounds all over the country.
This task must not be passed on to the private sector because this involves Food Security.
Fourth, government must establish a marketing system which would assure fish producers a fair price for their produce and a clear policy on fish importation so as not to dampen their interest to invest.
Our country could be a top fish producer but we have to realize our potentials.
#FoodSecurityIsNationalSecurity!
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