President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to continue the modernization of fish ports nationwide to strengthen the fisheries’ sector and ensure a steady supply of affordable, high-quality seafood.

Marcos issued the directive during his inspection of the rehabilitated Sual Fish Port Complex in Pangasinan, the only regional fish port in Northern Luzon.

Marcos emphasized the importance of sustained investments in fish port infrastructure to enhance port capacity, improve the transport of seafood products to markets, maintain food quality, and support the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk.

“Bilang bahagi ng patuloy na pagpapalakas ng fish port infrastructure sa bansa, inatasan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang Department of Agriculture na ipagpatuloy ang rehabilitasyon at modernisasyon ng mga fish port complex (As part of the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen the country’s fish port infrastructure, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Agriculture to continue the rehabilitation and modernization of fish port complexes nationwide),” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement.

The rehabilitation of the Sual Fish Port Complex introduced new and upgraded facilities, including fish processing and cold storage facilities, multipurpose pier, commercial building and access roads.

The PCO said the upgraded complex is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, expand market access for fisherfolk and help ensure the continuous supply of quality and affordable fish to consumers.

Marcos also visited the crew members of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels that were recently blocked and blasted with water cannons by the Chinese Coast Guard near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea.

During the visit, he recognized the BFAR personnel’s dedication and resilience in protecting the country’s waters and the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk.

He also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Filipino fishermen.

Heightened food security

Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the rehabilitation of the Sual Port enhances the nation’s food security.

“The rehabilitation of the Sual Fish Port is an investment in our fishermen and our nation’s food security. By providing better post-harvest facilities, cold chain infrastructure, and efficient trading systems, we reduce losses, preserve the quality of our catch, improve incomes for our fisherfolk, and ensure that more affordable, nutritious fish reach Filipino families,” he said in an interview at the port.

Funding for the rehabilitation of the fish port was estimated at about PHP650 million.

The upgraded port is being managed by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, a government corporation under the DA.

The project also included the rehabilitation of the old pier, access roads, and quayside to enhance vessel operations and cargo handling.

The expanded facilities can also accommodate larger fishing and transport vessels, improving the movement of seafood from landing sites to markets and making trading more efficient. (PNA)