This vital economic hub in Mindanao is bracing for a beating as its major trade commodity, tuna, is cut off the export route with the cancellation of flights to Metro Manila as part of the community quarantine imposed by President Duterte in Luzon. Mayor Ronnel Rivera said if the industry would fail to find an alternative platform for exporting tuna, without passing through Metro Manila, a local economic meltdown could ensue as more than 200,000 residents are dependent on the tuna industry for their livelihood and income. The local tuna industry, which employs almost 30,000 workers, depends much on air transport in exporting fresh tuna through Metro Manila.

Rebollido, R. (2020, March 19). GenSan braces for losses in tuna export amid PH battle with COVID-19. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A5.