Despite strong opposition from concerned groups, the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday said it had approved the importation of 60,000 metric tons (MT) of fish this year to augment the expected shortfall in local production and prevent unwarranted increases in fish prices in the market. According to a DA statement, Agriculture Secretary William Dar has approved the issuance of a Certificate of Necessity to Import (CNI) for 60,000 MT of roundscad (galunggong), mackerel and bonito as recommended by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). The entire volume will be sold in public markets, particularly in Metro Manila and fish-deficient areas in the country, it said.

Ocampo, K. R. (2021, August 28). DA allows importation of 60,000 MT of fish. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A14, A13.