President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday inaugurated the improved Philippine Fisheries Development Authority-Iloilo Fish Port Complex (PFDA-IFPC) in Barangay Baybay Tanza, Iloilo City, underscoring his administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s fisheries and agriculture sectors.
In his speech, President Marcos emphasized his goal of reducing production costs by improving the value chain for both fisherfolk and farmers.
“Babaan ang presyo ng production, babaan ang presyo ng transportasyon, pagandahin ang pagdala ng ating mga produkto para maipagbili, at ‘yung value added ika nga ay maiiwan sa mangingisda, maiiwan sa magsasaka,” President Marcos said.
Funded under the PFDA’s multi-year national government subsidy, the rehabilitated fish port can now accommodate more fisherfolk and traders in Western Visayas’ central fisheries hub.
The rehabilitated fish port features modern facilities, including a huge market hall, cold storage buildings, commercial and administration buildings, and public toilets.
These facilities are powered by 1,152 solar panel modules, in line with President Marcos’ directive to reduce the carbon footprint for sustainable and climate-resilient fish ports.
“‘Yung mga ice plant, halimbawa, para gumawa ng yelo, kailangan maraming kuryente, maraming power. Kaya mabuti na lang mayroon na tayong solar (panels), sustainable pa. Hindi na tayo kailangan magpaandar ng generator, na gumamit ng krudo,” the President said.
The rehabilitated fish port is now disaster-resilient, with the newly installed breakwater that shields the area from strong waves.
During the event, the President also inspected over PhP37 million worth of agricultural equipment awarded to fisherfolk and farmers, including four-wheel tractors, corn shellers, rice combine harvester, hammer mills, rice precision seeder, village-type rice mills, forage chopper, and 20-footer fiberglass boats — aimed at increasing productivity.
The PFDA-IFPC serves as a vital hub for fish traders across Western Visayas and some parts of Mindanao.
Prior to the fish port inauguration, President Marcos inspected the Flood Mitigation Structure Sections 9 and 10 Project in Iloilo City, as part of his hands-on approach to addressing flooding problems. | PND
