The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it authorized the importation of an additional 8,280 metric tons (MT) of frozen small pelagic fish, including round scad and mackerel, to mitigate the domestic supply shortage caused by recent typhoons.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the adjustment to the initial certificate of necessity for 30,000 MT of imported fish, issued earlier this year, was needed to address the supply disruptions from Typhoons Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika, Ofel and Pepito.
He said the decision was finalized during a meeting of the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council.
The initial import allocation aims to supplement wet market supplies during the closed fishing season, which runs from November to mid-March, a critical period for fish spawning in major areas.
The DA set a Dec. 16 deadline for issuing sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) for the additional volume, requiring all shipments to arrive by January 30, 2025.
Tiu Laurel said the 8,000 metric tons would not affect the previously established maximum importable volume, while the remaining 280 metric tons would be allocated to KADIWA ng Pangulo centers.
Frozen fish supplied to KADIWA centers will provide affordable protein sources to vulnerable groups, including indigents, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, he said.
Food in KADIWA outlets is typically priced 20 percent lower than in public markets, ensuring accessibility for those in need.
