The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) is constructing a P96.7-million ice plant in its fish port in Bulan, Sorsogon to preserve seafood quality, reduce waste, and raise incomes across fishing communities in the region.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and PFDA Acting General Manager Glen Pangapalan inspected the facilities of the Bulan fish port complex, including the 60-metric ton (MT) ice plant and ice storage.
Tiu Laurel said the modern post-harvest facilities were as critical as boosting fish output and extending market reach.
‘Food security is not only about catching more fish. It is about making sure every kilogram that reaches our ports is preserved, marketed efficiently and delivered to Filipino families in the best possible condition,’ he said. ‘Investments like the Bulan ice plant help reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen the fisheries value chain and improve the incomes of our fisherfolk.’
The PFDA explained that the new ice plant can produce around 1,200 blocks weighing 50 kilos each for every 24-hour production cycle.
With a storage capacity for 120 MT or about 2,400 ice blocks, this ensures a stable supply during the peak sardine fishing season when landings surge.
Given the increased capacity, the PFDA said the facility would boost the ice supply in the municipality of Bulan and provide fisherfolk, fish brokers, and traders with a reliable and affordable source of ice.
This would help preserve fish quality, minimize post-harvest losses, and maintain the freshness of seafood throughout the supply chain, it added.
Ice would be sold at P130 per 50-kilo block, which is available in whole blocks or crushed ice. Every kilo of ice can preserve a kilo of fish for seven days.
The PFDA assured stakeholders that water from deep wells and the local water system undergoes treatment before entering the ice-making process to ensure a clean supply for fish preservation.
Meanwhile, the PFDA said it is also implementing the Phase I expansion of Bulan fish port complex, which will feature a new trading hall, ice stalls, and a Materials Recovery Facility.
The project would address the growing demand for fish port services by expanding post-harvest facilities and providing additional space for fish trading, handling, and packing activities, it added.
‘The expansion of the Bulan complex will reinforce the government’s drive for a more resilient fisheries sector and stronger national food security,’ Tiu Laurel said.