President Benigno S. Aquino III called on traders involved in fishing, canning, fish processing, aquaculture production and processing, and other allied industries to remain united and steadfast in their efforts to keep their sector as a leading contributor to the country's goal of food security.
"With creativity and persistence, we can seize the opportunities that also accompany the complex task of sustainable development," the Chief Executive said in his message to the SOCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City) Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII) on the occasion of its 14th National Tuna Congress.
The 14th National Tuna Congress opened on September 6 at the Family Country Hotel and Convention Center, General Santos City. The event would end on Sept. 7.
"We Filipinos have our varied roles in nation-building, in advancing our combined initiatives towards realizing a comprehensive program for progress. Let us be dedicated in our endeavors to the cause of our collective welfare in all its crucial facets, including the wise and thorough stewardship of our natural heritage," President Aquino said.
The Chief Executive hopes that the federation will be able to seek solutions to the challenges being encountered by its sector to achieve its goal to remain as a vital industry in the global market.
The federation is a non-government, non-profit organization, established in 1999 as an umbrella organization of 7 associations with a total of over 100 companies involved in fishing, canning, fish processing, aquaculture production & processing and other allied industries.