President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday directed the Department of Agriculture to continue rehabilitating and modernizing fish ports across the country, saying the upgrades are intended to improve the movement of fishery products, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen the country’s fisheries sector.
Marcos issued the directive during an inspection of the rehabilitated Sual Fish Port Complex in Pangasinan, the only regional fish port in Northern Luzon.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the upgraded facility now includes new fish processing and cold storage facilities, a multi-purpose pier, a commercial building, and improved access roads.
The government said the improvements are expected to expand market access for fishermen, increase the port’s handling capacity, preserve the quality of fish products, and help ensure a steady supply of affordable fish.
Following the inspection, the President visited crew members of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessels that were recently subjected to water cannon attacks by the Chinese Coast Guard while operating near Bajo de Masinloc.
The PCO said that the visit is meant to recognize the crew’s service and reaffirm government support for Filipino fishermen and personnel involved in protecting the country’s maritime interests