Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. strongly urged for the modernization of the the country’s major fish ports under the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) to turn traditional fishing hubs into modern agri-fishery business centers that create jobs, attract investments, and cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the Navotas Business Conference on October 28, Tiu Laurel cited Navotas for being “the fishing capital of the Philippines and home to one of the busiest and most important fish ports in the country.” He said Navotas is a cradle for entrepreneurs, innovators, and fisherfolk who work hard to move the nation’s food supply, and its success should be replicated in other regions of the country.
Tiu Laurel said the PFDA modernization will upgrade ports, cold storage facilities, and logistics systems to make fish landing sites more competitive. Each improvement opens opportunities for local businesses while allowing fisherfolk to earn better incomes.
The PFDA network is being enhanced to boost value creation—ensuring that every kilo of landed fish is properly handled, preserved, and sold at competitive prices. The agency manages regional ports and oversees the development of 136 project locations under the Municipal Fish Ports Program.
The upgrades aim to position Navotas and similar cities as models of sustainable, modern agri-fishery enterprises where government, private sector, and local communities all benefit. Beyond fishing, the vision is to transform the city into a hub for trade, processing, and logistics, turning short-term livelihoods into long-term enterprises.
Tiu Laurel said it will also enhance resilience of fish ports amid growing challenges such as typhoons, rising fuel costs, and global market shifts.
The DA chief highlighted three priorities: building climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting science-based practices, and stabilizing logistics and supply chains.
“Resilience means having systems that can adapt and recover quickly. We want every port, especially Navotas, to not just bounce back after a disaster, but to forge ahead stronger and smarter,” he said.
Collaboration, he said, is key. “Agriculture and fisheries will only thrive if we work together. Gatherings like the Navotas Business Conference bring together the energy and creativity that drive local economies.”
Tiu Laurel said that investments in newer facilities should be aimed at empowering food producers, streamlining supply chains, and ensuring safe, affordable, and nutritious food for every Filipino.
“Navotas has always been a symbol of hard work and resilience,” he added. “Now, it must also be a symbol of innovation and shared prosperity.”
