No problem with galunggong supply in WV – BFAR

There is no problem when it comes to the supply of galunggong or round scad in Western Visayas, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-6).

BFAR-6 Director Remia Aparri, in a report by the Philippine News Agency, said that the region is not suffering from galunggong shortage.

She stressed that WV is “not totally dependent on galunggong.”

“We have aquaculture products coming from fishponds that will fill in the gap or supply coming from the sea,” Aparri said.

On Saturday, Sept. 1, the country started the importation of galunggong.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Manny Piñol approved on August 16 the importation of 17,000 metric tons of galunggong due to low supply.

Imported galunggong is usually sourced from China, Taiwan, or Vietnam, a Rappler report said.

Appari said the imports are intended only for the National Capital Region (NCR).

“Wala kita madala. Indi na kasulod sa aton ang imported galunggong.”

Last year, WV produced 9,132.94 metric tons of galunggong, higher compared to 7,599.39 metric tons in 2016, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.

On the other hand, the municipal fisheries production in 2017 was at 6,762.39 metric tons, also higher compared to the 6,388.05 metric tons produced in 2016.

Appari said the region’s supply of galunggong comes from Aklan, Antique, northern Negros, and northern Palawan.

SOURCE: Iloilo Metropolitan Times

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