PSA chief checks Negros Occidental fisheries surveys

Philippine Statistics Authority Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa led field supervision of quarterly fisheries surveys in Bago City and Valladolid, Negros Occidental, on May 2 to assess data-gathering activities that support national accounts, agriculture policy and fisheries planning.

Mapa, the national statistician and civil registrar general, was joined by John F. Campomanes, officer in charge-regional director of PSA Regional Statistical Services Office-Negros Island Region.

Also present were Diesah S. Biaoco, supervising statistical specialist of the PSA Negros Occidental Provincial Statistical Office, and Rodrigo P. Gawal, PFP-statistical specialist II of the provincial office.

The field supervision covered fisheries survey operations in Bago City and the municipality of Valladolid, two areas with fisheries and aquaculture activities that contribute to local agricultural data.

The PSA said statistics generated from quarterly fisheries surveys serve as essential inputs in compiling national accounts.

The agency said the data are also used to assess agriculture sector performance, formulate policies, implement programs and support research studies.

In Valladolid, Mapa consulted local fisherfolk at a fish landing center, where he observed their working conditions and daily challenges.

He gathered information on average fuel consumption, daily fish catch volume and the types of fishing equipment used.

Mapa also discussed current operational concerns with fisherfolk.

He explained that the data collected during the visit would be used for official reporting and decision-making.

In Bago City, Mapa visited Ocean Feed Mill to observe aquaculture operations and gather data on shrimp production.

The information collected included stocking capacity per tank, harvesting methods, maturation period, holding capacity and shrimp survival rate.

The PSA said the visit provided valuable insights into local aquaculture practices and contributed essential information for fisheries data assessment and policy reference.