MANILA, Philippines - An official of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said on Saturday that the agency is planning to “liberalize” the importation of fish products in the country.

This after market vendors complained of a shortage in supply, mainly of the poor man's galunggong (round scad).

“May panukala na i-liberalize ‘yung pag-import ng ibang mga uring isda na ito para sa ating mga taong bayan,” Tabios said in an interview with dzMM "Konsyumer ATBP."

“In the process of consultation na ‘yan ng National Agricultural and Fishery Council dahil meron silang 16 na rehiyon kung saan nila gagawin ang pagkokonsulta sa taumbayan at sa mga sektor,” he added.

Selling of imported fish in wet markets is banned by law, according to Tabios, because it affects the livelihood of local fishermen.

Most of the fish shipped into the country are only meant for institutional buyers for final consumption in hotels and restaurants or for processing in canneries.

However, imported fish have found their way into public wet markets recently.

Alma Aguinaldo of National Vendors Cooperative Confederation said they have no choice but to buy imported fish when local ones are not available at fish ports.

"Kapag wala ho talagang galunggong na sariwang lumalabas, talagang 'yong imported ang kinukuha namin," she said.

As to the alleged shortage of fresh fish, Aguinaldo said: "Hindi ko lang ho alam kung nagko-connive 'yong mga dealer doon sa fish port. Parang ang nagyayari ho iho-hold nila ang sariwa para pag pumapasok ho nag-iimport... ' yon ang ilalabas. 'Yon po ang kukunin ng mga mangangalakal."

IRR revisions

BFAR Assistant Director Atty. Benjamin Tabios said that they are currently revising the rules and regulations (IRR) under Fisheries Administrative Order 195 to allow the trading of imported fish products in wet markets.

In line with this move, Tabios stressed that BFAR will be more vigilant when it comes to the inspection of the fish commodities to ensure the public’s safety.

“Ang aming gagawin eh imo-monitor dapat namin na safe siya, food safe siya, meaning titignan namin ‘yong cold chain system na pagdating mo sa wet markets siguradong safe for consumption ang mga ito,” he said.

Once finalized, Tabios said they will immediately implement the revised IRR in all qualified wet markets in the country.

“Sa qualified wet markets lang muna siguro uumpisahan namin," he said.

Asked how long it will take before the new IRR will be fully implemented, he replied, “Sa aming pananaw, kakailanganin ng 6 na buwan hanggang 9 na buwan ‘yan bago maitalaga natin lahat.”