The 7th National Sardines Industry Congress and Trade Exhibit 2024, organized by the SOPHIL Fishing Association, Inc. reels off in Zamboanga City Wednesday, October 23 to 25.

Mayor John Dalipe and other city officials graced the opening program with Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Ester Bayate, representing Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as guest of honor.

The event, themed “Sardinescape: Sustaining Sardine Seas Through Innovation, Collaboration and Climate Change Adaptation,” brings together the major players/ stakeholders in the fishing and canning industry to discuss strategies to ensure sustainable use of the fish resource which is a major industry in Zamboanga Peninsula and other parts of Mindanao.

Zamboanga City, known as the sardines capital of the Philippines, hosts the national event anew. Highlight of the congress is the Sardines Industry Trade Exhibit.

The event was graced by key officials to include Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja, District I Cong. Khymer Olaso, Basilan Cong. Mujib Hataman, SOPHIL President Engr. Julius Daniel, BFAR OIC Isidro Velayo, officials from DA and attached agencies and agriculture and fisheries beneficiaries. (Details: Jamil Dari/ Roselyn Bunot) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)