DA: Phl to import 25,000 MT fish

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. has allowed the importation of 25,000 metric tons of frozen fish, days after President Marcos issued Administrative Order No. 20 removing the non-tariff barriers on imported agricultural products.

- BELLA CARIASO

Tiu-Laurel signed Memorandum Order 17, which provided the guidelines for the issuance of a certificate of necessity to import 25,000 MT of frozen pelagic fish for wet markets from Oct. 1 to Dec 21, 2024.

The memorandum states that 80 percent of the maximum importable volume (MIV) totaling 20,000 MT will be given to registered importers belonging to the commercial fishing sector.

"The MIV will be allocated based on fish landings of each of commercial fishing operator, (those) who have valid commercial fishing vessel and gear licenses and have contributed to the production in the past three years, as well as participated during the last importation period," Tiu Laurel said.