Manila, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking at extending its flagship loan program to the aquaculture and mariculture sectors amid the lack of development in the captured fisheries production. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the country has failed to achieve fish sufficiency despite the Philippines being surrounded by bodies of water and bays ideal for fish farming. This is primarily because of the lack of bank financing for fish cage farming, lack of fry supply and the high cost of feeds.

Simeon, L. M. (2018, April 2). DA to extend loan program for aquaculture. The Philippine Star, p. B12.