The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has strategized to meet the supply of sardines during closed fishing months by partnering with the Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines (CSAP).
The looming of sardines shortage has found a solution with BFAR and CSAP entering into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) recently. The MOA aims to sustain and ultimately increase the supply of sardines for the canneries sector by capacitating municipal fisherfolk by taking into account the proper fish handling, observing food safety standards, adopting appropriate processing technologies. The Memo mandates BFAR to provide post-harvest support and necessary equipment, subsidize the transport costs and facilitate the transaction between CSAP and the municipal fisherfolks. BFAR will also identify the municipal fisherfolks associations that will supply the sardines for canning. While CSAP would ensure that its members shall observe fair trade in directly negotiating which selected association listed by BAR as well as ensure that its members comply with the terms and conditions in the purchase order.
It is hoped that with the implementation of the landmark MOA, will help in meeting the 72 million kilogram sardine needed by the canneries during the closed fishing season.
The MOA takes effect upon launching of the project in Sorsogon to serve the canneries in Metro Manila and in Zamboanga for the canneries in the area.
MY COMMENT:
There is a big hole in the MOA between BFAR and CSAP! It does not mention where the canneries in the Visayas will get their sardines for canning.
ooo000ooo
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