The development of the aquaculture industry in the Philippines: 1970-1998

Abstract

This paper presents and discusses the development of the aquaculture industry in the Philippines, the government policies, and the different factors that may have contributed to this. The aquaculture sector has been prioritized by the Philippine government from the 70's up to the present, viewing it as an integral component in country’s aim to attain economic development through the industry’s perceived positive impact on the communities where these activities take place. The study, however, found out that a closer look at tins so- called impact reveals that not everybody benefits from it. It was found out that the gains that aquaculture brings to these communities are only enjoyed by a selected few. The study also found out that the goals of increasing food supply and generating employment were not attained, at least in the view of the people living nearby these areas. The goal of generating foreign exchange is fulfilled, however, this only benefits an elite social group. These problems are attributed to the weaknesses of the social, political, and economic structures of the country and the loopholes in the design implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the policies and programs adopted by the government.