MANILA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday vowed to revitalize the country's seaweed industry by beefing up the government support to local seaweed producers and boosting the potential of the second biggest export earner in Philippine aquaculture.
Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel expressed optimism about the Philippine seaweed industry's potential to regain its status as the world's biggest exporter.
The DA said the seaweed industry earned around 250 million U.S. dollars during the pandemic and generated export sales of 350 million dollars in 2022.
Laurel said the government will help seaweed farmers by providing seedlings, implements, lines, floaters, and counterweights to increase their annual 70,000 metric tons of seaweed produce. ■
