September 5, 2024

 

Philippines' agriculture group urges government to boost chicken and fish production amid ASF threat

An agriculture group has called on the government to expand chicken and fish production due to the resurgence of African swine fever (ASF), which continues to affect the supply of pork in the Philippines, Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

 

The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) said that ASF remains a threat to pork supply, particularly in barangays with active cases. Pork ranks as the third main source of meat in the country, following chicken and fish.

 

"One advantage of chicken is that the main system of local production is large scale and not backyard size, as with pork," said PRRM president Edicio dela Torre, as quoted in the statement.

 

Dela Torre emphasised the importance of ramping up production of other protein sources, especially with the upcoming holiday season when demand typically rises.

 

In addition, the PRRM called for a reduction in the importation of dressed chicken, advocating instead for a focus on boosting local production.

 

According to data from the National Meat Inspection Service, there were 31,917 metric tonnes (MT) of dressed chicken in cold storage facilities as of last week. Of this total, 68 percent, or approximately 21,601 MT, were imported, while only 10,315 MT were locally produced.

 

The PRRM also pushed for increased fish production to meet the country's growing protein demand.

 

"Fish and shellfish supply needs to rise to meet protein demand. In the case of marine products, aquaculture must expand its share in comparison to fish capture," said dela Torre.

 

The group also stressed the need to enhance the country's fishing capabilities beyond small-scale operations, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

 

In relation to this, the PRRM noted that the Philippine Maritime Zones Bill and the Blue Economy Bill could play key roles in achieving the country's food security goals.

 

The Philippine Maritime Zones Bill seeks to define and declare the country's maritime zones, while the Blue Economy Bill aims to promote sustainable development and stewardship of marine resources within the country's maritime areas.

 

As of August 8, 2024, the Bureau of Animal Industry reported that ASF had spread to 11 regions, 22 provinces, and 64 municipalities across the Philippines.

 

-      Philippine Daily Inquirer