SUPPLY for raw fish may take a hit following the suspension of import clearances for galunggong, mackerel and bonito, the Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines (CSAP) said on Thursday, April 4.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) issued a memorandum order following reports of illegal diversion of certain types of fish meant for canning to wet markets.
CSAP Executive Director Francisco Buencamino said while the memorandum order allows importation of mackerel for canning purposes, limitations on the allowed volume would have an effect on the production of canned sardines.
“Directly magkakaroon ng epekto ‘yan because kung ang source ng raw material nila is traditionally being imported, hindi ba sinuspinde ni Sec. Laurel? And therefore we will start reducing our sources of raw material especially mackerel is not available naman sa local,” Buencamino said.
Buencamino added that prices of sardines could increase should supply be affected.
“Tataas ang presyo pero bababa ang supply… Ang bonito at galunggong pwede Philippine source among local fishermen. Ang mackerel can only come imported,” Buencamino said.
While the group expressed support for the DA’s move to suspend import clearances, Buencamino said the issuance of the memorandum order came as a surprise as they were allegedly not consulted on its possible effect on the industry.
“Tama naman na ihinto ‘yan ng Secretary of Agriculture. Medyo nabigla lang siguro ang industriya na biglang nahinto nang walang usapan muna sa industriya between government and industry so we can find a way and meet on how to control it from going to market,” Buencamino said.
He added: “Meron namang content of truth na there were not very well-intended importers who wanted to bring in by technical smuggling using the import license of canneries… Sapagkat ang importation kunwari sa cannery pero pagdating ng raw material dumidiretso na sa wet market. Kawawa naman ang mga local fishermen.”
Trade Undersecretary Ed Sunico said his agency would monitor any risk to price stability.
“By next week, we will have a meeting with manufacturers. So far wala pa kaming naririnig na may risk of supply issue sa sardines. We will be monitoring it closely,” Sunico said. (ABS-CBN News)
