ILOILO CITY – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has expanded its Responsible Seafood Sourcing Program in Iloilo.
BLUE crab farmers in Iloilo are supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). (US Embassy in the Philippines)
“Through the responsible seafood sourcing program, businesses can consistently provide quality seafood products while ensuring the health of the marine environment and supporting the livelihoods of local fishing communities,” said USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn.
The program aims to reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Iloilo while finding sustainable markets.
The Responsible Seafood Sourcing Program is part of the Fish Right Program supported by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Iloilo provincial government, and the local seafood industry.
Through the program, blue crab farmers from Igbon Island in Concepcion, Iloilo are supplying blue crabs to the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Iloilo City.
“This is the way to go as we endeavor to achieve conservation and sustainability of our fisheries resources while ensuring that livelihood and welfare of fishing communities are appropriately taken care of,” said DA Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Bayate.