PFDA board meeting in Iloilo tackles port modernization efforts for agri-fishery commodities

In a bid to support the present administration’s push for sectoral modernization, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) board, chaired by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., held a meeting on April 5 at the PFDA Iloilo conference room to harmonize plans for port development nationwide and to address other agency concerns.

DA Secretary Laurel cited the need to continuously modernize fish ports with advanced trading and logistic facilities and a streamlined export process for fishery products.

Noting the feasibility and viability of establishing and upgrading fish ports that can handle agricultural products, Secretary Laurel said, “While we move forward, we will build food ports or terminals since right now we are technically catering to fish (products).”

Highlighting farmers’ role in ensuring food security, he urged the PFDA to be more efficient and cost-effective in addressing the problems in logistics for agriculture and fisheries.

PFDA, a government-owned and controlled corporation, is responsible for setting up and overseeing fish ports, fish markets, and other postharvest facilities. It also provides essential services to enhance the efficiency of fish and fishery product handling and distribution.

Part of the board meeting is the run-through of the 32 pipelined and ongoing PFDA projects this fiscal year and other development projects under the multi-year plan, all anchored on the Bagong Pilipinas’ thrusts. The ongoing renovation/rehabilitation of the regional fish port complex in Navotas, Lucena, Bulan, Iloilo, Zamboanga, and General Santos were among the major PFDA projects for implementation in 2024. Moreover, the PFDA is preparing to commence bidding for the P2.2 billion projects that are part of its multi-year plan.

DA Under Secretary for Fisheries Drusila Bayate, PFDA Acting General Manager Atty. Glen A. Pangapalan, other board members, DA Western Visayas’ Regional Executive Director Dennis Arpia, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 6 Regional Director Remia Aparri joined the secretary in inspecting the ongoing renovation and upgrading of the Iloilo Fish Port Complex.

On the other hand, the PFDA is also seeking approval for its proposal for the establishment of Deep Water Ports for Fish and Agri-Industrial Products in Iloilo, Zamboanga, and Davao, which is considered a key strategy to enhance the logistic system for both input and production input.

PFDA plans to implement the project in areas with a sufficient water depth of 9 to 13 meters, which can accommodate heavily loaded ships and with proximity to existing transportation networks. With the target for completion in three years, the deepwater port project is set to be implemented in four existing regional fish ports in General Santos, Zamboanga, Iloilo, and Davao. PFDA also targets putting up the same projects in Cebu, Palawan, Surigao City, and ten other subports.### (Texts by SMHToreno/DA-RAFIS 6 & Photos by SMHToreno/VNOQuimpo)