Mayor John Dalipe recognized the sardine industry’s significant contribution to the city’s economy, enabling growth and opportunities for livelihood and development.
The mayor, who keynoted the 5th National Sardines Congress Thursday, October 20, assured stakeholders of the local government’s commitment and support to ensure that the sardine industry continues to grow and prosper.
“As an administration that stands for progress and development, we want to assure our friends and partners in the sardine industry of the local government’s steadfast commitment and support…we seek to find avenues of collaboration with you, to come in with the local government support that will enable the industry to grow and prosper, and to uplift the lives of our people and their communities,” he said.
He also called for government and industry leaders to strengthen its partnership and to prioritize comprehensive measures and interventions to ensure the sardine industry’s resiliency, sustainability, and longevity.
“Our interventions must be cross-cutting and comprehensive, with technological advancements and innovative practices going hand-in-hand with government regulations and mandates, environmental conservation and preservation efforts, and inclusive development policies and socio-cultural considerations,” stressed Mayor Dalipe.
Also gracing the opening ceremonies were District I Representative Khymer Olaso, DA Regional Field Office 9 Executive Director Dennis Arpia, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Director Isidro Velayo Jr., and Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Association, Inc. (SOPHIL) President Engr. Jaydrick Yap.
The 5th National Sardines Congress is a 2-day event spearheaded by the SOPHIL and the BFAR, with the theme “Public-Private Partnerships: The Key to Sardines Industry Resiliency”. It is held at the Garden Orchid Convention Center in Gov. Camins.
Zamboanga City is known as the Sardines Capital of the Philippines, with 14 sardine canning factories and 17 sardine brands located here. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)
(Source: City Government of Zamboanga Facebook page, photo courtesy of DA Zampen Facebook page | BFAR9 Facebook page)