Marcos eyes new fish ports, ice plants to cut costs for fisherfolk

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday vowed to boost the fisheries industry to sustain its contribution to the country’s economy.

He said this in a brief message to fisherfolk at the General Santos Fish Port Complex after inspecting the facility.

READ: Philippine marine life under threat from industrial fishing

“We will build fish ports and agricultural ports to reduce our transport costs, as well as ice plants in small trading hubs so there will be a source of ice,” Marcos said in Filipino.



“Your industry also makes a significant contribution to our economy. That’s why the government needs to be there to support it. So you can be assured, as I’ve said, our Secretary of Agriculture [Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.] is with you in your industry,” he also said in Filipino.

READ: Government sticks to yearly three-month fishing ban

Marcos also highlighted the significant role of fisherfolk in feeding the country, which is surrounded by water.

“When we study the dietary needs of Filipinos, fish and seafood are very important in the Filipino diet, in what Filipinos eat,” he said in Filipino.

Aside from the inspection, Marcos also led the distribution of livelihood projects from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, including the following:

• Fish Aggregating Device (Payao)


• salt production


• fishing boats


• marine engines


• fish farming inputs


• village-type fish processing centers


• fish processing equipment and marketing supplies


• complete seaweed farm implements and maintenance for six seaweed nurseries

He also witnessed the tuna trading activities in the fish port, including the unloading, weighing, and grading of fresh tuna for export. /jpv/abc

(2025/07/04-08:21)