An industry group is urging the government to provide more assistance to local fisherfolk as the demand for fish exports remained weak because of the trade restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. In a virtual press conference on Monday, Tugon Kabuhayan convenor Asis Perez said prices of seafood have gone down by as much as 52 percent as the export market continued to reel from transport constraints, causing some fishers to lose a significant market they have depended on for years. “A huge crab is usually sold for P2,500 a kilo but now you can buy it for P1,200 a kilo in Manila. It’s good for local consumers because they can now buy quality seafood, but the export market has really been challenging,” he added.

Ocampo, K. R. (2020, September 29). Group seeks gov't help for fisherfolk. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. B2.