MAFAR KEY OFFICIALS PARTICIPATE IN THE 23RD NATIONAL TUNA CONGRESS

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform key officials participate in the 23rd National Tuna Congress at SM Trade Hall, General Santos City on Aug. 31-Sept 1.

This year’s theme, “Adapting Strategies Responsive to Global Challenges,” is hosted by the SOCKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII).

The activity is attended by DA National Officials, Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther E. Bayate, BFAR National Director Atty. Demosthenes Escoto and all 17 Regional Directors and representatives, Private Sectors and exhibitors, of course from the BARMM represented by Director General for Fisheries Services Pendatun Patarasa, MPA, Director for Fisheries Operations Dr. Macmod Mamalangkap, and Director for Fisheries Research and Regulatory Dr. Mohammadtaha Pendaliday.

Director General for Fisheries Services Pedatun Patarasa reiterates that attending this congress brings advantages because BARMM’s contribution to the tuna industry in the Philippines is significant, as it is the top fish-producing region in the country in 2022. Tuna species such as Frigate tuna, Yellowfin tuna, and Eastern Little Tuna are among the top 5 species in capture fisheries in the region.

He added that it increases our learning about tuna fisheries and industry and its challenges, opportunities, stakeholders, and innovations. It has, likewise, provided an opportunity to network with industry key players, producers, processors, traders, exporters, researchers, regulators, and policymakers and to participate in the discussions.

Meanwhile, the Director of Fisheries Operation, Macmod Mamalangkap, Ph.D. and Director of Fisheries Services Research and Regulatory, Mohamadtaha Pendaliday, Ph.D believe that the lessons learned from the activity will help review the plans and programs of the ministry for the future promotion of tuna fishing and industry.