Rationale

The fisheries sector is an important economic sector of the Philippines. It provides substantial employment and income for some segments of the population, contributes to export earnings and supplies a major part of the dietary protein requirement of the population as a whole.

Currently, the fisheries sector is besieged with major issues and concerns brought about by the open-access policy in fisheries resource use, the rapid increase of population including those in poverty-stricken fishing communities where the exploitation of natural resources is most intense, and the inadequacy of the government to provide for an environment which can support the fisheries industry's sustainable development.

The Makapagpabagong Programa Tungo sa Maunlad at Masaganang Agrikultura at Pangisdaan (Agrikulturang MakaMASA - Fisheries Program), 1999-2004 is designed to provide national directions and framework to develop and manage the country's fisheries resources for food security and ensure socio-economic upliftment of subsistence fisherfolk.

Development efforts will focus on the expansion and revitalization of productivity programs and provision of support activities through appropriate technology, research, extension and adequate financial and marketing assistance. On the other hand, management efforts will cover the conservation, protection and sustained management of the country's fishery and aquatic resources to ensure its long-term sustainability.