President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the inauguration of the rehabilitated and improved Philippine Fisheries Development Authority – Iloilo Fish Port Complex (PFDA-IFPC) in Barangay Tanza-Baybay, Iloilo City on Aug. 13, 2025. Marcos has bared plans to establish 10 new fish ports with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment across the country. (Screenshot from RTVM)
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Saturday hailed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s plan to establish 10 new state-of-the-art fish ports nationwide, calling it a decisive move to strengthen the country’s food security and uplift millions of Filipino fisherfolk.
“Our fishermen bravely sail to provide us with the bounty of the seas. Their courage and perseverance deserve nothing less than modern support facilities from government,” Romualdez said.
He lauded the President’s strategy of building ports with advanced cold storage and renewable-powered systems—investments that go beyond rehabilitation and promise a stronger, more resilient supply chain.
“The President’s decision to establish modern cold storage facilities is a prudent investment that will significantly boost our food supply, raise fisherfolk incomes, and ensure fresh produce on every Filipino table,” Romualdez added.
Marcos unveiled the initiative during the inauguration of the newly upgraded Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Iloilo Fish Port Complex. Costing P885.14 million, the Iloilo port now features a 390-kilowatt peak solar power system and expanded facilities that make it a major hub for fisheries and trade in Western Visayas.
The President emphasized that the 10 new ports will serve over two million Filipino fishermen and enable the Philippines to better compete with regional neighbors like Thailand and Vietnam in the fisheries sector.
Romualdez also assured that the House of Representatives will carefully review the P2.1 billion proposed budget for fisheries infrastructure in the 2026 National Expenditure Program, making sure resources are channeled into sustainable growth and food security.