By Jose Cielito Reganit
MANILA – SSS-GSIS Pensyonado Party-list Rep. Rolando Macasaet on Wednesday called on all concerned government agencies to immediately act on the looming “sardine shortage” amid rising fuel costs.
In a news release, Macasaet, a Zamboangueño, warned that the continued increase in fuel prices threatens to cripple the entire sardine industry and more than 30,000 workers in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
From fishing and canning to tin can production, operators are being forced to scale down, he said.
He echoed the concerns of the Southern Philippines Fishing Association and the Department of Labor and Employment, with reports that about 70 percent of the current operations of the sardine industry are already affected.
“Bilang isang Zamboangueño, alam ko kung gaano kahalaga ang industriyang ito sa kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan (As a Zamboangueño, I know how important this industry is to the livelihood of my townmates),” Macasaet said.
“Kapag humina ang pangingisda, susunod ang canning tapos packaging at buong industriya ang maaapektuhan (If fishing declines, canning and packaging will follow, and the whole industry will be affected),” Macasaet added.
Fisherfolk are already experiencing declining daily income due to fewer trips, while factory and tin workers face reduced hours or possible displacement, as per reports, he noted.
Macasaet stressed that the issue goes beyond employment and directly impacts food security, as sardines remain one of the most affordable protein sources for Filipino families.
“Hindi lang ito krisis ng industriya, ito ay krisis sa pagkain ng bawat Pilipino. Nanawagan ako sa ibat-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan ng mas malalaking hakbang at aksyon para matugunan ang problemang ito (This is not just an industry crisis, this is a food crisis for every Filipino. I call on all concerned government agencies to take significant steps to address this problem),” he said. (PNA)
