The Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) held a commodity prioritization workshop earlier this week in Antique, aimed at identifying priority commodities among the 18 municipalities in the province.

“Appropriate means and measures must be taken to improve fishing product quality and its acceptability on the market,” said BFAR Regional Director Remia Aparri, who identified Antique as first in fishing among the provinces of Region 6.
Participants also identified the number of fisherfolk in their respective municipalities; their rate of production; overall value, including speculating potential expansion with increased production; and market potential for various products.
Among those present at the event were Antique Vice Governor Edgar Denosta, Provincial Board Member Fernando Corvera, former Governor Salvacion Perez, Antique Provincial Fishery Office OIC Lorna Angor, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist head Nicolasito Calawag, Sheryl Mesa of BFAR-Region VI (BFAR-6), Jessica Esmao of the BFAR-6 Fishery Postharvest and Marketing Division, among others./WDJ