President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced plans for the construction of more modern fish ports to create more opportunities for the country’s estimated 2.2 million fisherfolk.

During the inauguration of the rehabilitated Iloilo Fish Port Complex in Iloilo City on Wednesday, President Marcos said 10 modern fish ports will be built in various regions.

The Chief Executive stressed the importance of having proper fish port infrastructure for efficient handling and distribution of fish catch directly to the market, and for increased earnings of fisherfolk.

“Malaking bagay po ito dahil nga pinapalapit natin sa market ang ating mga mangingisda…
Iyon po ang konsepto namin para ‘yung imbes na may binabayaran na middleman, kung ano ‘yung binabayad ninyo sa middleman ay hindi na kailangan, nasa sa inyo na ‘yun,” President Marcos said.

“Kaya maiiwan ‘yung kita sa inyo. Hindi na mapupunta sa labas pa ng Iloilo, mapupunta kung saan-saan pang malalaking mga negosyante,” the President added.

“Kaya ito ay sa aking palagay isa sa pinakamahalaga na aming gagawin sa Department of Agriculture. Sampu ang itatayo pa natin na ganito sa buong bansa,” the President announced. “Iyon hindi na rehabilitation ‘yun, bago ‘yun. We have to put up fish ports na bago.”

President Marcos said he hoped that the Iloilo Fish Port Complex, which currently serves around 1,500 fisherfolk, would draw more business as well as tourism to necessitate an expansion of the facility.

“Mapupunta dito lahat para hindi na kailangan mag-abala. At kagaya ng aking nasabi, hindi na kailangan na magbayad pa ng sino pa, kundi ‘yung kinikita nila maiiwan na sa ating mga mangingisda. Iyon ang pinakamahalaga para sa akin,” said the President. | PND