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LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY (April 25, 2025) – In a move to strengthen stakeholder collaboration and promote inclusive rural development, the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) will spearhead a Collaborative Dialogue/Meeting among the National Sectoral Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSC-FA), Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) representatives, and key Tuna Handline Stakeholders from April 28 to 30, 2025, in Legazpi City, Albay.

With the theme centered on “Transformative Partnerships, Sustaining Commitment, and Inclusive Growth for Rural Communities,” the dialogue aims to build a stronger and more responsive tuna handline industry through active engagement and strengthened coordination among fisheries stakeholders in the Bicol Region.

The tuna industry is a vital pillar of the Philippine fisheries sector. In 2023, the country produced 1.6 million metric tons of tuna, contributing over PhP 51 billion to the national economy and generating USD 391.81 million in export revenue. A significant portion of this production comes from artisanal handline fishing—a traditional, sustainable method practiced by small-scale fishers, particularly in Lagonoy Gulf, one of the country’s most productive tuna fishing grounds.

However, the Bicol Region has seen a 32.72% decline in tuna production, primarily due to a lack of cold storage infrastructure, post-harvest losses, and limited livelihood alternatives for coastal communities. These challenges have significantly impacted the income and resilience of rural fishing households.

The upcoming dialogue seeks to address these concerns by:

  • Presenting programs from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA);
  • Identifying policy and implementation gaps affecting governance, resource sustainability, and economic competitiveness;
  • Integrating Gender and Development (GAD) perspectives into proposed interventions;
  • Strengthening inter-agency collaboration and multisectoral coordination; and
  • Crafting policy resolutions for endorsement to relevant government agencies.

“This dialogue exemplifies PCAF’s commitment to nurturing transformative partnerships and ensuring that no stakeholder is left behind,” said Julieta E. Opulencia, OIC Executive Director of PCAF. “Together, we can shape policies that empower our fishers, protect our marine resources, and sustain the growth of our rural communities.”

The activity is expected to result in a clearer understanding of the current landscape of the tuna handline industry in Bicol, a unified commitment among stakeholders, and a strategic policy roadmap toward a more resilient and competitive sector.

About PCAF:
The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) is an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture that serves as a consultative platform for various agriculture and fisheries stakeholders, enabling participatory and evidence-based policy development. To learn more about PCAF, visit www.pcaf.da.gov.ph.