By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Philippines, one of the world’s largest consumers of canned sardines, is facing a potential crisis as the country’s sardine industry struggles with rising costs, fuel surges, and declining fish supply.
The Zamboanga City-based sardine industry, which supplies around 90% of the country’s canned sardines, is calling for government help.
Deep Sea Fishing Association President Julius Daniel warns that the industry is on the brink of collapse due to unsustainable operating costs, including surging fuel prices and higher costs of imported tin plates, oil, and packaging.
“Fuel is an integral part of our distribution cost, and they have been increasing for the last two weeks,” said Marvin Tiu Lim, chief growth and development officer of Mega Prime Foods Inc. ¹
The impact on the masses is significant, as canned sardines are a staple food for many Filipino families, providing affordable protein and essential nutrients.
A shortage could lead to price hikes, further straining household budgets already affected by inflation.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has urged manufacturers to maintain prices, but industry players say they cannot absorb the rising costs.
The government has launched initiatives to support affected workers, including the “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers” (TUPAD) program.
ia/xf
