DA-BFAR EXTENDS LOGISTICS SUPPORT TO HASTEN

FOOD SUPPLY DELIVERY IN METRO MANILA

Responding to the Department of Agriculture’s call for whole-of-agriculture sector approach to diffuse supply and stabilize prices of pork and fish commodities in Metro Manila, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has leased shipping vessels that would help transport said products from SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos), Davao Region and other parts of Mindanao.

Today, February 16, one shipping vessel from Surigao Port loaded with 13 trucks containing 1,350 live hogs arrived at Talao-Talao Port in Lucena City, Quezon Province. These hogs will be brought to the National Capital Region to be sold within the price cap.

“This effort aims to fully support the Department of Agriculture’s strategic initiative to ensure the continuous flow of affordable and available food supply, particularly pork and fisheries products in Metro Manila”, BFAR National Director Eduardo Gongona said.

According to Director Gongona, he reported to DA Secretary William Dar that the batch of hogs that arrived today is only the first shipment. More supply of hogs will come in the coming weeks as the DA-BFAR will continue to provide transport assistance at a minimum of six shipments per month for the next two months or until the prices of pork in Metro Manila stabilize.

Aside from extending logistics assistance to ensure sufficient pork supply in Metro Manila, the DA-BFAR taps key fish suppliers in Mindanao as part of its commitment to ensure that sufficient fish and fishery products in the market is available for the consuming public at a reasonable price.