ILOILO CITY (PIA) — The need to unlock and fully harness the “untapped export potential” of the fisheries sector in Western Visayas has been emphasized by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) during an Export Business Forum held recently in Iloilo City.
According to BFAR 6 Regional Director Remia Aparri, Western Visayas has significantly contributed to national fisheries production, ranking fifth among all regions in 2023.
She attributed this to the diversity and abundance of the region’s waters with high-value commodities like shrimp, milkfish, and blue swimming crab dominating the region’s export portfolio.
“These species, our processed products such as canned crab meat and deboned milkfish, offer significant export potential, especially in markets such as the United States, Japan, and China,” said Aparri.
She also underscored the importance of adding value to raw products, noting that processed fishery exports command higher prices internationally.
“Exporting processed goods not only increases profitability for our local fisheries but also enhances our competitive edge in the global market,” she added.
The BFAR 6 chief also shared the role of major hubs in Iloilo, Capiz, and Negros Occidental in supporting efficient export processes, stressing the presence of processing plants that ensure products achieve international safety and quality standards.
According to Aparri, these facilities are critical to satisfying the rigorous traceability demands of foreign markets.
She also pointed out the ongoing efforts of BFAR and other stakeholders to enhance traceability and responsible resource management, particularly for blue swimming crab, to ensure the sustainability of the region’s fisheries. (AAL/AGP/PIA 6 with reports from BFAR 6)
