MARAWI CITY (PIA)--The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said in a report released on Feb. 16 that the Bangsamoro region is still the country's highest fish producer.

Based on the Fisheries Situation Report, in the last 2 years, BARMM produced a volume of 1.319 million MT, equivalent to 30.41% of the total volume of fisheries production in 2022.

BARMM has maintained its status since 2021, recording a total fisheries production of 4.25 million metric tons. This grew to a total of 4.34 million metric tons for the year 2022.

MAFAR Minister Mohammad Yacob congratulated the Bangsamoro fisherfolk for their significant contribution to the region.

"This manifested that the Ministry, from the regional office down to the provincial and municipal level, is committedly performing its mandate to fulfill every responsibility that rests on their respective shoulders so that our farmers, fisherfolk, and ARBOs can feel the services of this government," the Minister added.

Yacob also assured to continue to sustain fisheries production in the region through different means of assistance, including the strengthening of technical staff in partnership with the government and fisheries research institutes, among others.

The Ministry also thanked the local governments of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, and Lanao del Sur, as well as the development partners and stakeholders who helped train and transfer technology to the fishermen.

"We are delighted with your unwavering support to boost the economic growth in the Bangsamoro region," Yacob said. (BIO/PIA Lanao del Sur)