By Tracy Cabrera
MANILA — LThe Department of Agriculture is accelerating the expansion of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Bulan Fish Port Complex in Sorsogon as part of a broader push to invest in the country’s fisheries infrastructure.
According to agriculture secretary Francisco ‘Kiko’ Tiu Laurel Jr., the move is in line with President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (PBBM)’s directive to ensure national food security.
Thus, in a bid to strengthen the country’s marine food supply chain, Secretary Laurel has ordered the project fast-tracked with completion targeted by the end of 2027.
“Every year of delay means lost income for fishermen and missed investment opportunities for the region,” Tiu Laurel pointed out.
Accordingly, the expanded fish port complex will include a cold storage, blast freezers, flake ice facilities, smokehouses, fish-drying areas and an extended quayside to accommodate more fishing vessels.
Local officials have also proposed allocating space for agricultural trading, which would broaden the facility into a regional agri-trading center.
PFDA acting general manager Glen Pangapalan cited that the sport’s expansion reflects the government’s strategy of strengthening the entire fisheries value chain, tagging it as proof of the Marcos Jr. administration’s commitment to infrastructure that directly benefits fishing communities.
“The upgraded complex will function as a modern fisheries and logistics hub that reduces postharvest losses, creates jobs and allows fisherfolk to earn more by preserving the quality and value of their catch,” Pangapalan noted.
In 2025, the Bulan fish port served 1,236 clients, including fisherfolk, brokers, traders and vessel operators, with a total fish unloading volume of 23,780.50 metric tons—an average of 65.15 metric tons daily, rising to an estimated 81.87 metric tons per day during the peak fishing season from March to June.
ia/xf
