The total volume of fisheries production increased by 2.92%, or 62,017 metric tons in the first semester of 2022 from last year’s production volume of the same period of 2,123,058 metric tons.

The report was based on the Philippine Statistics Authority data presented by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to the National Banner Program Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture on August 17, 2022.

BFAR, along with the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) and the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), presented its first semester Fiscal Year 2022 Physical Accomplishment and Financial Performance in the Committee meeting.

As of July 31, 2022, BFAR obligated 62.09% or PhP3 billion out of its PhP4.8-billion annual allocation for the Bureau’s Fisheries Development Program, Fisheries Regulatory and Law Enforcement Program, Fisheries Extension Program, and Fisheries Policy Program.

Meanwhile, PFDA already obligated PhP4.3 billion or 100% of its annual allocation for the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Program as of June 30, 2022. The Program covers the rehabilitation, improvement, and upgrading of fish ports; expansion and rehabilitation of the General Santos Fish Port Complex; construction of a cold storage facility in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; and fish port construction in Taguig City, Manila.

NFRDI also reported that more than PhP244.7 million or 69.87% were obligated from its PhP350.2 million annual allocation for the aquafeed project, training and education services, technology business incubation program, research for development management services, and institutional development. | JCL