FISHERIES BOOST: Marcos inaugurates PHP885-M upgraded fish port complex

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By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Juliane Judilla

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated the PHP 885.1-million rehabilitated Philippine Fisheries Development Authority–Iloilo Fish Port Complex (PFDA-IFPC) in Barangay Tanza-Baybay on Wednesday, Aug. 13.

Marcos said the modernization marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen the fisheries sector and boost regional economic growth.

“This is a significant initiative since we are bringing the market closer to our fisherfolk,” he said, noting that the port promotes a fish-to-market economy.

The upgraded complex now features expanded capacity and modern facilities, including a 390-kilowatt peak solar photovoltaic system with 1,152 solar panel modules installed across key structures such as the market hall, cold storage, refrigeration building, and administration offices.

He added that the facility will help increase the income of more than 1,500 fisherfolk by eliminating middlemen and reducing transport costs.

“We need infrastructure. Even with simple designs, infrastructure becomes a big thing because it serves as a hub where fishermen can connect to ice plants, frozen food manufacturers, and retailers,” he said.

The IFPC, located in a 21-hectare reclaimed area, is the primary landing site for various fishing vessels such as bagnetters, bancas, tuna boats, trawlers, purse seiners, and basnigans from Iloilo City and nearby towns.

The port is also the main source of fish supply for Iloilo City’s major public markets and neighboring municipalities.

In March 2022, the complex received PHP 570 million for expansion, including a new fish processing plant, fish canning facility, and alternative energy source.

A major rehabilitation and improvement project was completed in March 2025, funded with PHP 885 million from PFDA’s Multi-Year National Government Subsidy.

Inside the new market hall are 21 licensed fish brokers with 369 helpers, 503 fish traders with 344 helpers, 66 major overland fish suppliers, seven fishing vessel operators, and 37 retailers employing 74 workers.

Marcos added that the solar-powered system will reduce electricity costs, improve operational efficiency, and support the government’s push for sustainable, climate-resilient fish ports by cutting the facility’s carbon footprint.

The president also announced that the Department of Agriculture will construct 10 new fisheries complex ports nationwide.

He stressed that these new facilities will help boost the country’s fish production and elevate it to the level of neighboring Southeast Asian nations.

“More people should be making a living from the sea and that is what we are trying to encourage,” he said.

Ahead of the inauguration, Marcos also oversaw the distribution of PHP 37.9 million in agricultural assistance to 37 farmer and fisherfolk associations in Iloilo province.

The aid package included four-wheel tractors, corn mills, shellers, hammer mills, rice harvesters, rice mills, forage choppers, and fiberglass boats with engines.

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation likewise turned over indemnity checks to rice and corn farmers affected by recent successive storms.

The president also inspected a PHP 96-million flood mitigation project in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro district.

The project, implemented by the Iloilo City District Engineering Office, involves the construction of a revetment wall to help control flooding in the area.