President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Agriculture (DA) led the inauguration of the P885.1-million upgraded Iloilo Fish Port Complex on Wednesday, August 13.
The expansion project was spearheaded by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA).
The upgraded Iloilo Fish Port Complex, the only PFDA regional port in the Visayas, will serve as a vital hub for fisheries trade and agro-fishery businesses in Western Visayas, the DA said.
The port complex, with a location ideal for inter-island trade, will also offer commercial leasing spaces, the DA added.
The port, poised to boost regional economic activity, has been equipped with a 390-kilowatt peak solar photovoltaic system with 1,152 solar panel modules that were installed across key structures of the complex, the DA said.
These solar-powered structures include the new market hall, refrigeration and cold storage buildings, commercial and administration buildings, and public toilets, the DA added.
“This milestone reflects our shared mission to bring essential services closer to those who depend on the sea. It gives hope to many who rely on the ocean’s bounty,” DA Secretary and PFDA board chairman Francisco Tiu Laurel said.
The Iloilo Fish Port Complex now supports over 1,400 fishery industry players and has 21 licensed fish brokers with 369 helpers, 503 fish traders assisted by 344 aides, 66 overland suppliers, seven vessel operators, and 37 retailers supported by 74 staff, the DA said.
The port receives catch from the rich fishing grounds of Western Visayas, including coastal towns in Iloilo and nearby provinces like Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and parts of Negros, the DA said.
