The forum on Tuesday (17 June) was conducted by Secretary Gabriel Claudio and his party with the City officials led by Mayor Goefredo Uy, the Provincial Board Members of Samar and Congresswoman of the second district Sharee Ann Tan and the representatives of the academe, national line agencies, and other stakeholders in attendance.
Board Member Jimmy Dy of the Province of Samar said that many of the fish ponds in Samar are already closing because of the big increase in production cost due to increase in the price of fertiliser.
He said that he used to supply the milkfish requirement of Catbalogan and the nearby municipalities but now, most of the milkfish found in the market of Catbalogan is no longer from Samar but from Laguna de Bay.
Even fish cages are very difficult to maintain because of the high price of inputs especially feeds, Board Member Dy said.
This is the very reason why those who venture into fish caging also retired, he added.
Another reason why many fishpond owners have closed shop is because of global warming where the seawater level has suddenly gone high.
Board Member Dy said that fertiliser subsidy is being given to farmers, then the same should be given to the aquaculture sector so that they will be able to continue with their business.
He said that no matter how great the desire of the businessmen to help in securing food supply, they cannot afford to be at the losing end all the time because their capital is also very limited.
It would be recalled that Region 8 or Samar province for that matter, is known for its lucrative aquaculture industry.
Secretary Claudio promised that the concern will be transmitted to the agency concerned.
Aquaculture Sector Complains of High Production Costs
PHILIPPINES- The exorbitant increase in the production cost in the aquaculture sector, was one of the major concerns raised by the participants in the recently concluded Forum on Fuel and Rice Security conducted in Catbalogan City.