Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources National Director Demosthenes R. Escoto delivered a message of support highlighting the importance of the country’s tuna fisheries during the opening of the trade exhibit.
He also shared the various new and continuing initiatives of the DA-BFAR for the Tuna Industry, such as the continuous implementation of the National Tuna Management Plan and the reconstitution of the BFAR Technical Working Group on Tuna Fisheries. “With unwavering determination, we have elevated the Philippines to the ranks of the world’s leading tuna producers. Last year’s impressive production of over 475,000 metric tons speaks to our diligence and the richness of our marine biodiversity–a remarkable achievement for a country of our size. At sa kabila ng liit natin, nakakapag-export pa tayo. More than 107,000 metric tons of tuna were exported last year. Nakaka-proud talagang maging Pilipino,” she said.