The government is investing nearly PHP190 million in two modern municipal fish ports in Davao del Sur, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses, improve food security and stimulate economic activity in coastal communities.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., accompanied by Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Acting General Manager Atty. Glen A. Pangapalan, inspected the ongoing projects in Malalag and Sta. Cruz on Monday as part of the government’s continuing effort to modernize the country’s fisheries infrastructure.
The two projects underscore the PFDA’s vision of transforming municipal fish ports into modern fisheries hubs that enhance post-harvest handling, facilitate fish trading, attract investments, and create more economic opportunities for fishing communities.
“Modern fish ports are investments in food security. By reducing post-harvest losses and improving the movement of fish from our coastal communities to consumers, we strengthen the country’s food supply while helping our fisherfolk earn more from every catch,” Tiu Laurel said.
Pangapalan said the PFDA remains committed to developing modern fish ports that enhance post-harvest efficiency, improve market access, and serve as catalysts for economic growth in coastal communities.
“Every fish port we build is an investment in the future of Philippine fisheries. By providing modern infrastructure and efficient fishery post-harvest facilities, we are creating an environment where fisherfolk, traders, processors, and other stakeholders can thrive together. Our goal is to strengthen the entire fisheries value chain, reduce losses, improve food distribution, and contribute to inclusive economic growth in our coastal communities,” Pangapalan said.
The Malalag Municipal Fish Port in Barangay Baybay marked a significant milestone with the completion of its first phase at the end of 2024, establishing the municipality’s first modern fish landing and trading facility.
Construction of the project’s second phase is now underway and is targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2027. The expansion includes reclamation and site development, utility systems, a trading hall, warehouse, administration building and other support facilities that will further improve fish handling, storage and distribution.
Meanwhile, the Sta. Cruz Municipal Fish Port in Barangay Bato is scheduled for completion in the early months of 2027. Once operational, the facility will feature a market hall, ice stall, food hub, administration building, access roads and other essential infrastructure that will centralize fish unloading and trading activities while improving post-harvest operations and market access for local fishing communities.
Tiu Laurel said the facilities are expected to create jobs during construction and operation while encouraging investments in cold storage, fish processing, logistics and related industries.
The twin projects reflect a broader shift in agricultural policy from simply increasing production to strengthening post-harvest systems. By improving the handling and movement of fish from landing sites to markets, the government aims to preserve product quality, reduce waste and deliver more affordable seafood to Filipino consumers while raising incomes for fishing communities.
