The Department of Agriculture (DA) has vowed stronger support for fisherfolk and called on the tuna industry to unite, look beyond profits, and embrace its role as stewards of the seas.
Speaking at the 25th National Tuna Congress in General Santos City on Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the sector’s global gains must be matched with a deeper commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth.
“True progress is shared progress. It happens only when all players in the value chain – fishers, canners, exporters, and regulators – move as one,” he said, noting that fisherfolk are not just workers but front-line defenders of the country’s marine future.
Tiu Laurel also pushed for science-based management of tuna stocks, stronger enforcement, and better traceability, saying these are crucial to ensuring the long-term health of marine resources.
“The DA stands with you – to feed the world, to honor our fishers, and to defend our seas,” he added.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed tuna production rose by 20.56 percent to 494,047.02 metric tons (MT) in 2024 from 409,797.17 MT in 2023.
Exports also climbed by 31 percent, from USD391.81 million in 2023 to USD514.47 million in 2024.
Despite these gains, Tiu Laurel warned of turbulent challenges ahead, including climate change, global sustainability mandates, labor concerns, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
“For 25 years, this Congress has been the heartbeat of collaboration in the tuna sector. But as we look ahead, the mission is clear: we either act together, or risk drifting apart,” he said. (PNA)
