Comprehensive Post-Harvest, Marketing and Ancillary Industries Plan 2018-2022.

The Comprehensive Post-Harvest, Marketing, and Ancillary Industries Plan (CPHMAIP) is a national policy with a sectoral approach. The timeframe of this policy is 5 years covering the period between 2018 and 2022. The goals of the CPHMAIP are: (I) to reduce fisheries post-harvest losses to 10% and increase the competitiveness of Philippine fish and fishery products in domestic and international markets; (II) to provide a comprehensive framework for promoting optimal development and long-term sustainable streams of benefits from the fisheries sector; (III) to address the challenges and gaps in the post-harvest, ancillary and marketing sectors through various strategies and actions; and (IV) to involve the participation and collaboration of various stakeholders from the government, industry, academia, civil society and other sectors.
In order to achieve the twin goals of minimizing post-harvest losses and increasing the volume and value of trade fish and fishery products in both local and global markets, the CPHMAIP advocates for several measures, including: provision of infrastructure support; provision of competitive and modern ancillary support; harmonization of market information and communication network for trade and marketing; enhancement of capacities, including access to credit, insurance and incentives; and, promotion of one country brand for Philippine fish and fishery products.
Post-harvest losses due to poor handling and sanitation will be reduced through improved fisheries post-harvest and cold chain technology and facilities and full compliance to hygiene and sanitation standards. Consistent compliance with traceability, biosecurity, HACCP, food safety and quality standards and product certification requirements will be strengthened. The compliance of fishing establishments to relevant national and international regulations will be improved. The production of value-added products from fish and fishery by-products/processing wastes, will be increased. The access to market will be increased through accessible, transparent and accurate information on market demands and supply. Consistent policies on granting of incentives and easier access to credits to all domestic or national companies and on grants to foreign companies in relation to post-harvest fisheries, will be implemented. Fishery-based livelihood and entrepreneurial programs will be increased and strengthened in coastal communities to alleviate poverty and provide supplementary livelihood to municipal fisherfolks.
The quantity and value of traded fish and fishery products for domestic export will be increased by: (I) expanding the market for sustainable fish and fishery products, (II) ensuring the availability of sufficient supply in food fish deficient area, (III) increasing the number of capacitated/competitive fishery-based micro-, small- and medium-scale enterprises that can enter the market, (IV) establishing a comprehensive market information system, and (V) strengthening the enforcement of laws, policies and regulations related to trade and marketing. Quarantine and fish disposal facilities will be established and maintained to prevent risks in order to ensure quality, safety and sustainability of fish and fishery products.