In a bold move to stabilize food prices and enhance food security, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has approved new guidelines for importing a diverse range of fish and seafood into the Philippines. The initiative, targeting a total import of 25,000 metric tons, is set to run from March to May, as outlined in Department of Agriculture Memorandum Order No. 12.
Tiu Laurel emphasized that this importation strategy is designed not only to prevent price surges but also to enrich the variety available in the market, particularly benefiting the food service industry. The imported species, which include Alaskan pollock, bluefin tuna, Chilean sea bass, and many others, are not typically caught locally, thus adding unique options to the Philippine market.
The import allocation begins with an initial 28 metric tons per eligible importer, with the remainder distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Tiu Laurel reassured that this import plan would not adversely affect local fishermen and could streamline business operations.
To ensure the quality and safety of the imported products, importers must secure sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), valid for 45 days. Only importers accredited for at least a year or those with a history of similar transactions are eligible, and storage must be in BFAR-accredited cold storage facilities.
The initiative excludes importers involved in ongoing food safety violation cases, those with incomplete documentation, or those lacking accreditation from the Bureau of Customs. The National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council will monitor the impact of these imports on inflation, institutional buyer allocations, wet market supplies, and nutritional diversity.