By Fernan Angeles
A GROUP of tilapia growers finds it rather unfair for the government to import tilapia from other countries, adding that we have more than enough supply to cover demand in the local market.
In a radio interview, Philippine Tilapia Stakeholders Association president Jon Juico said there is an abundant supply of tilapia in all parts of the archipelago.
“Nasabi ko nga nung nakaraan, punong-puno ng tilapia sa atin. Sana hindi kami magaya sa ibang industriya ng magmamanok at magbababoy na mayroon silang mga produkto pero may importation pa rin,” said Juico.
He claimed that tilapia growers, fishermen, traders and vendors were alarmed over reports that the government intends to buy tilapia from other countries.
“Nagdudulot ng pagkabalisa sa ating grower kapag may balitang ganyan,” Juico added.
He further said that not even a fish kill incident would affect the supply of the fish variety that the government wanted to buy elsewhere.
“Kahit na magka-fishkill sa isang lugar mapupunan naman ‘yan ng ibang lugar. Hindi po nawawalan ng tilapia sa ating bansa dahil akma ang ating klima sa pag-aalaga,” dagdag niya.
Juico also urged the government to help and given them to chance to be heard on decisions and policies affecting them. He is particularly calling on the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to acknowledge their existence.
“Dapat siguro matulungan tayo ng gobyerno na maiabot ang ating produkto sa mga konsumer,” sabi niya.