Villar keynotes Tuna Congress
Support for fish industry crucial - Villar

Senate President Manny Villar stressed the need to extend substantial support to the tuna industry as it reels from the high cost of fuel and calamities.

Villar aired this during the 10th National Tuna Congress hosted by the Socsksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries Inc. at the KCC Convention and Events Center, KCC Mall of Gensan in General Santos City.

Extending fuel subsidy to our fishers in the wake of high oil prices and series of calamities will enable the industry to get their nets, bancas and vessels moving, Villar stressed.

The Nacionalista Party president cited that the Philippine tuna industry has contributed significantly to the national economy, accounting for 12 percent of total fish production while generating $280 million in annual exports.

It can be recalled that the Senate President earlier urged the government to extend fuel discount, livelihood support and loans for the purchase of second-hand vessels to affected fishermen, while also pushing for the review of the Oil Deregulation Law.

Villar, who used to sell shrimps in the market, has filed Senate Resolution 504 urging the Senate to inquire into the plight of fishermen and the fishing industry in the wake of recent calamities.

"High oil prices, global warming, diminishing fish stocks and depletion of fishery resources are challenges that we must address in strengthening the tuna industry," the Senate President who is an advocate of entrepreneurship said.

The country is considered to be the second biggest catcher of tuna in the world behind Taiwan, and the third-largest producer of canned tuna next to Thailand and the United States.