The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – La Union Provincial Statistical Office conducts the 2^nd Quarter 2022 Fisheries Survey in the province that includes Quarterly Municipal Fisheries Survey (QMFS), Quarterly Inland Municipal Survey (QIFS), and Quarterly Aquaculture Survey (QAqS) on June 13 to 24, 2022.

The surveys aim to generate data on volume and value of production on fisheries and aquaculture by aqua farm type. The statistics that will be generated through these surveys will serve as input in the compilation of national accounts, estimation of performance of agriculture, researches and studies, policy making, and program implementation.  This will also serve as guide in the development of appropriate policy measures and support programs to help fisher folks cope with the impact of community quarantine and continue their fishing activities and livelihood. 

PSA-La Union hired and trained 13 Statistical Researchers (SRs) who will visit fish landing centers for municipal fisheries along with the selected sample aqua farm operators and inland fishing households to generate fisheries outputs in coordination with the Local Government Units (LGUs).

Meanwhile, the key results of the 1^st Quarter 2022 Fisheries Surveys in La Union are the following:

• La Union ranked second among the provinces of Ilocos Region in terms of fisheries volume of production in 1^st quarter 2022.  It contributed 12.35 percent to the total volume of fish production in the region.

• The total volume of fisheries production in 1^st quarter 2022 was estimated at 4,030.44 metric tons which was 4.26 percent higher than 3,865.66 metric tons estimate in 1^st quarter of 2021.

• Among the fisheries subsectors, municipal fisheries posted the largest contribution (69.31%) to the fisheries output in the province 1^st quarter 2022. Municipal fisheries production was estimated at 2,793.52 metric tons in 1^st quarte 2022 higher by 30.93 percent than its output of 2,133.58 metric tons in 1^st quarter 2021.

• Aquaculture ranked second with 1,033.63 metric tons contributing 25.65 percent to the total fisheries production of the province. The 1^st quarter 2022 production showed a decrease of 33.03 percent from the 1,543.31 metric tons production in 1^st quarter 2021.

• Commercial fisheries had the smallest (5.04%) contribution to the fisheries volume of production in the province at 203.29 metric tons although it showed an increase of 7.69 percent from the 188.77 metric tons in 1^st quarter 2021.

• The total value of all fisheries production in La Union in 1^st quarter 2022 was recorded at PhP695, 091.95 which was 38.99 percent higher than its value in the same quarter of last year at PhP500, 095.76.

The PSA enjoins the support of the LGUs and cooperation of sample fishermen in providing truthful, complete and accurate information to the SRs. All the data and information collected by SRs from sample fishermen are for statistical purposes only and shall not be used for purposes of taxation or investigation. Information obtained from the respondents shall be accorded strictly confidential as provided under Republic Act (RA) 10625. 

Furthermore, the PSA assures that all hired SRs are in good health condition and will strictly follow precautionary measures against COVID-19 such as strict observance of social distancing, wearing of face mask, and proper hygiene and sanitation. The PSA shall also observe all protocols laid down by the LGUs. 

SGD. DANITES E. TEÑIDO, Ph.D.
Chief Statistical Specialist

/MFC