QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) officially launched the National Aquaculture Development and Management Plan (ADMP) 2025-2030 on September 26, 2024, at the Seda Hotel, aiming to enhance the aquaculture sector in the Philippines.
The ADMP is the first-ever development plan dedicated solely to aquaculture, addressing the complexities of the industry while outlining a strategic framework for growth.
It seeks to improve sustainability, productivity, and economic contributions, while tackling critical issues such as environmental impacts, resource management, and market competitiveness.
During the launch, DA-BFAR Officer-in-Charge Director Isidro Velayo Jr. emphasized the plan’s significance in guiding the future of the aquaculture sector.
“The vision and goals laid out in the 2025-2030 ADMP underscore our commitment to a socially equitable, sustainably managed, climate-resilient, and globally competitive aquaculture industry,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of ensuring equitable access to resources for marginalized stakeholders and promoting responsible environmental stewardship.
The plan was developed through extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, experts, local government units, environmental groups, and government agencies.
It aims to serve as a roadmap for a competitive aquaculture sector that meets both local and global demands while promoting sustainable management of the country’s aquatic resources.
Key goals of the ADMP include:
- Ensuring a sufficient supply of high-quality seed stocks.
- Fostering an inclusive aquaculture environment across socio-economic sectors.
- Reducing production costs of aquaculture commodities.
- Strengthening the resilience and adaptability of aquaculture production.
- Safeguarding environmental welfare within and adjacent to aquaculture farms.
- Enhancing the marketability and competitiveness of aquaculture products internationally.
- The ADMP aligns with the Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry Development Plan (CNFIDP) 2021-2025 and international frameworks such as the FAO Blue Transformation Roadmap 2022-2030.
As the CNFIDP approaches its conclusion, the ADMP aims to achieve the unmet key performance indicators outlined in that plan.
The collaborative approach of the ADMP highlights the importance of partnerships between government agencies, the private sector, and local government units in implementing projects and programs.
Aquaculture is a major driver of fisheries production in the Philippines, with the Philippine Statistics Authority reporting production of 2.38 million metric tons in 2023, valued at approximately P124.02 billion.
Seaweeds accounted for the bulk of production, contributing 1.63 million metric tons, or 68.2 percent, of the total.
With the ADMP in place, DA-BFAR is optimistic about the future of the fisheries sector, aiming to enhance productivity, secure livelihoods for millions of Filipino fisherfolk, and contribute to national food security. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
