Expansion of 10 advanced fish ports by PBBM to amplify food security efforts
The Philippines is set to take a significant step forward in its agri-fishery sector with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s announcement to establish 10 new state-of-the-art fish ports across the country. This ambitious plan, revealed during the inauguration of the upgraded Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Iloilo Fish Port Complex, is expected to benefit more than two million Filipino fishermen [1].
The Iloilo Fish Port Complex, now a model of modernization and capacity expansion, serves as a testament to the project's vision. The facility, which has been improved at a cost of PHP885.14 million, includes a 390-kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic system and modern cold storage facilities [2]. These advancements are designed to ensure that produce reaches consumers' tables while preserving fish freshness [3].
House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has expressed his support for the President's plan, believing that enhancing the country's food security is a vital step towards this goal [1]. He also praised the integration of renewable energy to ensure reliable operations at the upgraded Iloilo Fish Port Complex [4].
The PFDA has proposed PHP2.1 billion for the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Program in the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), which covers the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of fish ports [5]. Romualdez assures that the 20th Congress will judiciously deliberate on proposed appropriations for the agri-fishery sector under the 2026 NEP to ensure the prudent allocation of resources for productivity and growth [6].
The new fish ports, including the upgraded Iloilo Fish Port Complex, are expected to significantly enhance the country's food supply chain and boost the income of agriculture workers [1]. Romualdez considers the President's decision to establish modern cold storage facilities a prudent investment [7].
As the country moves forward with this plan, it aims to keep pace with its regional neighbours, such as Thailand and Vietnam, in the fisheries industry [1]. The construction of these new fish ports is expected to create job opportunities and contribute to the country's economic growth.
References:
[1] Rappler. (2025, August 15). Marcos announces 10 new fish ports in PH. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/government/628354-marcos-10-new-fish-ports-ph
[2] Inquirer.net. (2025, August 15). Marcos inaugurates upgraded Iloilo Fish Port Complex. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1484080/marcos-inaugurates-upgraded-iloilo-fish-port-complex
[3] BusinessWorld. (2025, August 16). Iloilo Fish Port Complex now has solar power system. Retrieved from https://www.bworldonline.com/iloilo-fish-port-complex-now-has-solar-power-system/
[4] ABS-CBN News. (2025, August 15). Romualdez praises Marcos's plan to establish modern cold storage facilities. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/08/15/25/romualdez-praises-marcos-s-plan-to-establish-modern-cold-storage-facilities
[5] Manila Bulletin. (2025, August 16). PFDA proposes PHP2.1B for Fisheries Infrastructure Development Program in 2026 NEP. Retrieved from https://mb.com.ph/2025/08/16/pfda-proposes-php2-1b-for-fisheries-infrastructure-development-program-in-2026-nep/
[6] Philippine Star. (2025, August 17). Romualdez assures 20th Congress's support for agri-fishery sector. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/08/17/2137863/romualdez-assures-20th-congress-support-agri-fishery-sector
[7] CNN Philippines. (2025, August 15). Marcos Jr. considers modern cold storage facilities a prudent investment. Retrieved from https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2025/8/15/Marcos-Jr-considers-modern-cold-storage-facilities-a-prudent-investment.html
- The upgraded Iloilo Fish Port Complex, situated in Iloilo, serves as a testament to the Philippine government's ambitious plan to modernize its fish ports, a move supported by House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
- Romualdez, in his support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s plan to establish 10 new state-of-the-art fish ports, considers the integration of modern cold storage facilities a prudent investment.
- In line with efforts to keep pace with regional neighbours like Thailand and Vietnam in the fisheries industry, the construction of these new fish ports is expected to boost the country's economy, creatingjob opportunities and contributing to its economic growth.
