Ms. Mercedes Ong, President of the SARGEN Handline presented the latest developments of the FFSAPI-SARGEN Handline Fisheries Improvement Project in two key events of the tuna industry: the All About Handline Summit on September 2 and the Plenary Session of the 25th National Tuna Congress on September 4.
During the All About Handline Summit, Ms. Ong with the project progress AVP highlighted the FIP’s milestones in advancing sustainability and social responsibility within the handline tuna sector. She emphasized the collective work of vessel owners, fishers, and industry stakeholders in implementing measures on human rights and social responsibility, vessel monitoring, and traceability.
On September 4, she carried the same message to a broader audience at the NTC Plenary, held at SM City General Santos, where national and international delegates gathered under the congress theme: “The National Tuna Congress @ 25: Renewing Commitments and Intensifying Strategic Partnerships.”
In her presentation, Ms. Ong reiterated the importance of collaboration in sustaining the progress achieved by the FIP. She shared updates on ongoing initiatives to align handline tuna practices with international standards, which are critical for maintaining market access and ensuring the long-term viability of the fishery.
