BFAR assures sufficient fish supply in NCR amid ECQ
The supply of fishery commodities will be sufficient and their delivery to Metro Manila markets will not be hampered even as the National Capital Region (NCR) is under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) while other areas are under modified ECQ for two weeks.
This was the assurance made by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to consumers and fish producers as the agency will make the process of the issuance of food pass more efficient and accessible to the fish producers and suppliers.
The streamlining of the issuance of food pass is being implemented as response to the guidelines issued by Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar for the facilitation of the transport and delivery of food and agri-fishery commodities.
BFAR, meanwhile, said it will issue new food pass for those without food passes through one of its technical divisions, the Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Division. Stakeholders who wish to apply for food passes may contact 09363213401 and email [email protected].
For owners of food passes or Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) IDs previously issued by the DA, the DA guidelines indicated that these are valid and can still be used to transport food and agri-fishery commodities to markets in the NCR and other areas. The DA has also reminded those who are transporting agri-fisheries products to always bring their food pass or IATF ID.
BFAR is mobilizing its fishery law enforcers on the ground with a directive to coordinate with other concerned government agencies in ensuring the smooth implementation of food pass.
Meanwhile, aside from wet markets, residents from NCR and other areas may also choose to buy fresh and frozen fish commodities and other fishery products from the DA’s KADIWA stalls, in which the DA-BFAR participates through its Fisheries Industry Development Support and Services Division, in partnership with the local government units and the private sector.
For those who want to avail DA-BFAR’s services during the ECQ, the agency encourages fisheries stakeholders in Metro Manila and other areas to transact online while the restrictions are in place. Clients may visit DA-BFAR’s official website and Facebook page for more information.
