ZAMBOANGA, Philippines — A three-month fishing ban in Zamboanga Peninsula was officially implemented last Saturday, December 1.

Fishing for sardines, in particular, is strictly prohibited within the conservation area which covers the waters of East Sulu Sea, Basilan Strait, and Sibugay Bay.
The ban aims to increase fish stocks by allowing more fish to spawn and grow.

It will also give the fishing ground enough time to rejuvenate so that it can last for years to come.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) are joined by the Philippine Coast Guard in patrolling the seas.

The BFAR expects the harvest of sardines and other fish to increase when the closed season ends on March 1.

Based on the agency’s data, the sardine catch in 2017 increased by 11 percent or equivalent to over 16,000 metric tons.

At present, the total commercial catch of sardines reaches up to 165,000 metric tons annually.

“The fish were supposed to have a closed and conserved and managed properly abounds within the fifteen kilometers which we are not allowed to fish,” said Roberto Baylosis, executive vice president of Southern Phils. Commercial Fisher, Inc.

Aside from sardines, there was also a five-percent increase in the harvest of other species like galunggong, kabalyas and tuna.

This has prompted Palawan and other areas to adopt the measure.

“In Palawan more on galunggong; and in Davao also, same on small pelagic naging po model po itong ating practice here in Zamboanga peninsula. Napakaganda po nito because this is the way of protecting, conserving our resources,” said Isidro Velayo, Jr., regional director of BFAR-9. — Dante Amento | UNTV News & Rescue

Tags: fish ban, sardines

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez | DTI Photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other agencies now holds more authority to adopt measures that could lower the price of basic goods through the memorandum and administrative orders signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Under the Memorandum Order No. 26, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the DTI are directed to adopt measures to reduce the gap between farm gate prices and retail prices of agricultural products such as setting up public outlets and cold storages where poultry producers can directly sell their products to consumers.

DTI said helping farmers and manufacturers directly deliver their products to retail outlets can help lower prices and remove intermediary layers.

The agency cites as an example the prices of chicken and pork that may be lowered by P20 per kilogram while canned goods and vegetables by one to two pesos.

“Yung producers ng manok, ng gulay, baboy mga agricultural products diretso na sa isang outlet para sa mga consumers na mas accesible sa kanila wala na masyadong trade layers yung mga patong na sinasabi natin,” said DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo.

DTI also welcomed the signing of Administrative Order No. 13 which removes non-tariff barriers and streamlines administrative procedures on the importation of agricultural products such as rice and meat.

“Kapag nabawasan ang procedure mababawasan ang cost malaki ang maitutulong na mapababa ang presyo,” said Castelo.

DTI is also given the power to create a surveillance team together with the Philippine National Police to monitor agricultural products and curb hoarding practices.

The National Food Authority (NFA) and the Bureau of Fisheries were also authorized by the President to import additional rice and fish supply when necessary even if it is beyond the minimum access volume.

And to lower the import cost, DTI and DA are ordered to improve logistics, transport, storage and distribution of agriculture and fishery products under the Memorandum Order No. 27.

The orders of the president, aim at taming the country’s inflation, are effective immediately. — Mon Jocson | UNTV News & Rescue

Tags: DTI, inflation, prices

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has enforced a price freeze on basic commodities owing to the declaration of state of national emergency on account of lawlessness.

Under the directive, prices of basic goods are not allowed to increase for 60 days, while prices of liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene are fixed at their current rate for 15 days or until the president revokes the said declaration.

Covered by the price freeze are the following:
• rice
• sugar
• cooking oil
• eggs
• pork, chicken, beef
• fish (fresh and dried)
• vegetables
• fruits
• canned goods
• bread
• coffee
• milk
• bottled water
• powdered soap
• noodles
• selected types medicine
• LPG
• kerosene

However, according to DTI, they are considering lifting the price ban in areas that are not affected by conflict. ( UNTV News and Rescue)

Tags: basic goods, consumer goods, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), DTI, increase, price hike, prices