Despite the destruction wrought in the Philippines by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng, aquaculture groups under food security and livelihood advocacy group Tugon Kabuhayan said there is no need for importation as local fish supply remains stable.
Latest data from the Department of Agriculture (DA) showed the total value of losses in the fisheries sector amounted to P16 million after the storm affected fishponds and cages of bangus and tilapia and seaweed farms, and damaged non-motorized boats and municipal fishing boats.
In a statement, Taal Lake Aquaculture Alliance Inc. director Mario Balazon said Paeng’s impact should not be used as an excuse to flood the local market with imported fish.
He said the aquaculture industry remains resilient regardless of the strong winds, rain and flooding that occurred.
“Despite Typhoon Paeng affecting many fish producers, it did not hinder our production. We can still supply the whole country without importing fish. Don’t use this calamity as a reason to justify importation. Support our local producers first before turning to other countries for fish,” Balazon said.
He said the losses in aquaculture in Talisay, Batangas due to the typhoon are estimated at P22 million.
“Approximately 200 tons of fish escaped the cages,” he said. “In Calauan, Laguna, the supply of fingerlings was washed out. But we are confident that in three months we will be able to re-stock again and rest assured that this will not affect the supply of tilapia.”
In supporting the claim that fish supply is stable, Philippine Tilapia Association president Jon Juico said Paeng did not cause much damage in Pampanga.