The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani province in Mindanao on Monday, June 8, has caused widespread damage and three deaths in General Santos City, the Philippines' tuna capital. This disaster has forced two major tuna exporters to suspend operations.

Century Pacific Food Incorporated, a major tuna and sardines producer, confirmed that three of its personnel were killed after a portion of a warehouse wall in their facility in General Santos collapsed due to the quake. The company's statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange said, 'We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident and are extending support to the affected families.' Century Pacific Food Incorporated has several brands, including Century Tuna, 555, Blue Bay, Fresco, and Lucky 7.

Alliance Select Foods International, another major tuna producer and exporter, has temporarily shut down its facility in General Santos City after a number of its personnel were injured in the quake. As a precautionary measure due to continuing aftershocks, operations at the facility have been temporarily suspended while safety inspections and damage assessments are being conducted, the company said. The company expects to resume operations next week, on June 16, after the completion of safety checks and remediation measures.

The seafood industry in the Philippines has been struggling with high prices of fuel due to the conflict in the Middle East. The Philippines is one of the world's biggest producers of tuna, and its biggest tuna landing center is the General Santos Fish Port Complex in General Santos City. In 2023, the country produced over 400,000 metric tons of tuna and more than 300,000 metric tons of sardines.

The earthquake has caused a significant impact to the tuna industry in General Santos City, with many facilities forced to suspend their operations. The city's tuna industry is a major contributor to the country's economy, with the city being one of the top fish landing centers in the Philippines.

The government has yet to provide an official estimate of the damage caused by the earthquake. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has activated its response teams to assist in the relief efforts.

Century Pacific Food Incorporated said in a statement, 'We are currently assessing the full extent of the impact to our facilities and are aiming to return to operations within one to two weeks, subject to the findings of our structural assessment and clearance from relevant authorities.'

The suspension of operations by the two major tuna exporters has raised concerns about the impact on the local economy. The city's tuna industry provides employment to many residents, and the suspension of operations is likely to affect many families, leading to economic hardship.

Timeline of events:

  • June 8: A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani province in Mindanao.
  • June 9: Century Pacific Food Incorporated confirmed that three of its personnel were killed in the quake, and Alliance Select Foods International temporarily suspended operations.

In response to the tragedy, Century Pacific Food Incorporated extended its support to the affected families. Their statement said, 'We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident and are extending support to the affected families.'

Key Facts:

  • The earthquake caused widespread damage and three deaths in General Santos City.
  • Two major tuna exporters, Century Pacific Food Incorporated and Alliance Select Foods International, have suspended their operations due to the quake.
  • The seafood industry in the Philippines is struggling with high prices of fuel due to the conflict in the Middle East.
  • The Philippines is one of the world's biggest producers of tuna, and its biggest tuna landing center is the General Santos Fish Port Complex in General Santos City.
  • The country produced over 400,000 metric tons of tuna and more than 300,000 metric tons of sardines in 2023.
  • The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has activated its response teams to assist in the relief efforts.