ABRA DE ILOG, Occidental Mindoro—Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. is strongly backing the construction of a deepwater port in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, describing it as a structural solution to high food prices and long-standing farm-to-market bottlenecks.
The proposed P2-billion Abra de Ilog Deep Water Port, to be implemented by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), is designed to accommodate large vessels and move fish and agricultural products more efficiently between Mindoro, Luzon, and export markets.
Tiu Laurel said the rationale behind the Mindoro projet—similar to other deepwater port developments being planned by PFDA—is straightforward: cheaper logistics ultimately translate to more affordable food. Shipping in bulk reduces food costs from inputs to final products, making modern port infrastructure a critical lever in addressing food inflation.
The DA chief said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. plans to complete a chain of at least 10 deepwater ports to complete a logistics network that will boost economic growth, generate investments, create jobs, cut production cost, stimulate interisland trade, and ensure food security.
“Ports reduce costs, losses and delays, areas where food inflation often begins,” the agriculture chief said, framing the port as infrastructure with a direct and measurable impact on household expenses.
Abra de Ilog already serves as a maritime gateway through its roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) link to Batangas, but limited capacity has constrained its economic potential. The proposed deepwater port aims to unlock that growth, building on recent Philippine Ports Authority upgrades such as port expansion, additional Ro-Ro ramps, breakwaters and dredging works.
Designed with functionality in mind, the Mindoro port project includes a finger pier, a modern fish market, cold storage and ice plants, warehouses, wastewater treatment facilities, solar power systems and reefer vans. These components are expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses and ensure compliance with export-grade food safety standards.
From a business perspective, the port could reshape regional trade flows. Expected ease congestion at the Batangas port and shorten shipping times, Abra de Ilog could emerge as a cost-efficient transshipment hub for fish, meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables—critical as producers face thin margins and volatile fuel costs.
Construction is also expected to generate local jobs, while long-term operations could attract logistics providers, processors, fuel suppliers and tourism-related businesses. Fisherfolk and farmers, who are often squeezed by middlemen and spoilage, stand to benefit the most.
Aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, the proposal reflects a sharper policy shift, treating agriculture as a logistics challenge as much as a production one.
Construction is expected to take about 24 months once approved. “The Abra de Ilog port is a targeted intervention to cut input and food costs by fixing logistics bottlenecks and building a more efficient gateway for agricultural trade,” Tiu Laurel said.
