Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas has filed a bill establishing cooperatives that can help fisherfolks become competitive in the market by directly accessing consumers.
“The policy complements government efforts to create market linkages for the fishery cooperatives, provide them with capacity building and technical assistance so they are equipped to participate in competitive and sustainable marketing,” Vargas, an assistant majority leader, said in filing House Bill (HB) 1676.
Vargas noted that cooperatives can also help fisherfolks gain better access in acquiring essential tools such as fishing gear and equipment, motorized fishing boats, and cold storage.
These goals can be attained through gradual small contributions and the pooling of resources among the members of the proposed cooperatives.
Vargas said that establishing cooperatives can also be beneficial for the government, particularly in “ensuring food security and resiliency through improved aquaculture production, provision of livelihood opportunities, and higher income for fisherfolks”.
With the projected scarcity in fish supply in the latter part of 2023, Vargas stressed the need to relay enhanced assistance to the fishing communities in the country. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) expects about 57,839 metric tons (MT) of deficit in the forecasted supply.
“The country annually prepares for the declines of the production in the marine capture production and aquaculture sector and as a lawmaker, the best we can do is support the government in ensuring that policies are in place to safeguard the livelihood of our fisherfolks as well as guarantee food safety for the nation,” he said.
The anticipated decline in fish supply is attributed to the end of fishing season in select areas of the country.
