Despite the 7.6 percent gross domestic product (GDP) increase of the country, an agriculture group expressed dismay on the continuous decline in fisheries production which registered a negative growth of -5 percent in 2022. In a recent statement, Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) President Danilo Fausto called the government for the immediate development of the aquaculture and fisheries sector. "The Philippines achieved a 7.6 percent GDP full-year growth in 2022. While everyone is rejoicing, we mourn in the agriculture sector, with a -0.1 percent annual growth. Except for crops whose negative growth of -1.0 percent is expected due to increases in costs of inputs and calamities, fisheries suffered the worst with a negative growth of -5.0 percent," Fausto said.

Santos, J. (2023, February 14). Agri group deplores continuous decline in fisheries production. Manila Bulletin, p. B-4.