President Marcos assured fisherfolk in General Santos City of the government’s full backing for the modernization of the fisheries sector, highlighting its critical role in national food security and economic growth.

During his visit to the General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC), the President said his administration is determined to upgrade cold storage capacity, strengthen the cold chain system, and build more agricultural and fish ports to preserve catch quality and increase the income of fisherfolk.

“Gagawin namin ang lahat para bubuhayin natin ang industriya ng fisheries dahil pagka pinag-aaralan namin ang mga pangangailangan sa kinakain ng Pilipino, napakahalaga sa diet ng Pilipino yung isda, seafood (We will do everything to revive the fisheries industry because when we look at the Filipino diet, fish and seafood are essential),” he said on Friday morning, July 4.

He noted that while the Department of Agriculture (DA) has already constructed a major cold storage facility in the area, more are needed.

“Para masuportahan hindi lamang yung cold storage kundi yung buong cold chain para yung quality ng isda ay ma-maintain (To support not just cold storage but the entire cold chain so the quality of the fish is maintained),” he said.

Marcos also cited plans to construct additional fish and agri-ports, and provide ice plank facilities for smaller landing sites, especially for boats that need to preserve their catch while out at sea.

The President also backed the establishment of a new fish testing facility in the port, with a focus on shrimp quality and histamine levels to meet international standards.

President Marcos said that with over 7,000 islands, the Philippines must leverage its rich marine resources.

“Kayo ang pag-asa. Kayo ang pag-asa ng agrikultura ng Pilipinas (You are the hope. You are the hope of Philippine agriculture),” he told stakeholders present, stressing the need to elevate the country’s capacity not just to feed its population but to compete globally.

Marcos expressed pride upon learning that local fish are now being exported to the United States.

“Nakakatuwa naman ang Pilipinas nakakapag-export sa Amerika (It’s heartening that the Philippines is now exporting to the United States),” he said.

General Santos is home to eight major tuna canneries and exporters, supporting around 200,000 workers. The GSFPC is the Philippines’ leading tuna unloading hub, handling both domestic and international fishing vessels.

During his visit, President Marcos also led the distribution of various livelihood support items from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), including fish aggregating devices, seaweed farm implements, fishing boats, and processing equipment, among others.