Food security and livelihood advocacy group Tugon Kabuhayan said the importation of processed animal proteins (PAP) will allow the aquaculture sector provide additional fish supply during the closed fishing season starting this month until January next year.
“The decision to allow PAP will definitely enable the aquaculture industry to contribute to the supply gap due to closed season,” said Asis Perez, Tugon Kabuhayan convenor, in a statement.
The guidelines issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry provide the importation of PAP from countries affected with African swine fever will be for the exclusive use of accredited manufacturers of feeds.
A group of 270 fishpond operators, non-government organizations, feed manufacturers, commercial fishers, fisherfolk and regulators in the aquaculture industry said in a joint manifestation of addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. PAP importation will enable the local aquaculture industry resume its steady growth.
