The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) has approved PHP1.6 billion budget to expand and modernize Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC) and construct a modern fish port in San Vicente, Palawan to strengthen food distribution networks, and supporting the government’s broader push to improve food security and stabilize prices.
The projects were approved on June 18 by the PFDA Board chaired by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
The approved projects include the rehabilitation and upgrading of buildings and facilities at Market Halls 1 and 2 under Phase III of the PFDA-NFPC Modernization Program, as well as Phase II of the PFDA-NFPC Shipyard Development Project.
PFDA Acting General Manager Glen A. Pangapalan said the upgrades on PFDA-NFPC will expand the area of the complex by almost 25 hectares. He said at least 30,000 directly benefit from the operation of PFDA-NFPC, which surges to around 50,000 during the peak season. “Millions more from Metro Manila alone benefit from the reliable supply of fresh fish from this 50-year-old fish port,” he said.
The Board also approved the construction of the San Vicente Modern Fish Port in Palawan, a project expected to enhance fish handling, trading, and post-harvest operations in the province.
The PFDA-NFPC Phase II project is due for completion in December while Phase III is scheduled for June next year. The San Vicente port project, meanwhile, is set to be completed in 2028.
Beyond the infrastructure investments, Tiu Laurel laid out a broader vision for the Navotas complex, seeing it as a future trading hub not only for fish but also for agricultural products.
“We already have the buyers here,” Tiu Laurel said during the meeting. “If producers from places like Lubang can bring their products directly to Navotas instead of passing through other trading centers, we can shorten the supply chain, reduce logistics costs, and improve returns for producers.”
The agriculture chief directed project proponents to target the inauguration of the upgraded market halls by January and proposed the future development of a dedicated agricultural trading area within the complex. Such a facility would allow farmers and fisherfolk to market products directly to traders and institutional buyers already operating in Navotas.
Tiu Laurel also called for the upgrading of PFDA-NFPC Market Halls 3 to 7, improvements to road networks and parking facilities, and the construction of a welcome center. He noted that expansion opportunities remain available in the northern and northeastern portions of the complex, while the planned shipyard is expected to help decongest operations and improve support services for fishing vessels.
Meanwhile, the San Vicente Modern Fish Port is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Palawan.
PFDA estimates that the facility will directly benefit more than 2,000 individuals and indirectly benefit over 20,000 people across the fisheries value chain. A significant number of the beneficiaries are municipal fisherfolk operating in the West Philippine Sea, particularly those from northern and western Palawan whose livelihoods depend heavily on fishing activities in the area. The project is expected to provide them with improved access to modern fish landing, handling, storage, and marketing facilities, helping reduce post-harvest losses and increase the value of their catch.
The projects reflect a growing recognition that food affordability depends not only on increasing production but also on improving logistics and market infrastructure. By upgrading fish ports and trading facilities, the government hopes to reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access, and build a more efficient food distribution system that benefits both producers and consumers.
