Marcos inspects Navotas Fish Port rehabilitation
At A Glance
- President Marcos inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of the Navotas Fish Port Complex to ensure its facilities keep pace with the growing needs of the fisheries sector.
- The President said a modernized fish port would improve operations, enhance the livelihood of fishermen and traders, and help ensure a stable supply of seafood.
- The inspection forms part of the administration's efforts to upgrade fisheries infrastructure and strengthen the country's food security.
President Marcos personally inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of the Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC) on Saturday evening, July 11, saying the modernization of one of the country's largest fish trading hubs is key to improving the livelihood of fishermen and ensuring a stable supply of seafood for Filipinos.
In a Facebook post after the inspection, the President underscored the strategic role of the Navotas Fish Port Complex in the country's fisheries industry.
"Mahalaga ang Navotas Fish Port Complex bilang isa sa mga pangunahing bagsakan at sentro ng bentahan ng isda sa bansa (The Navotas Fish Port Complex is important as one of the country's major fish landing and trading centers),” he said.
"Kaya personal nating sinuri ang patuloy na rehabilitasyon ng mga pasilidad nito upang matiyak na nakakasabay ang ating imprastraktura sa lumalaking pangangailangan ng sektor ng pangingisda (That is why we personally inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of its facilities to ensure that our infrastructure keeps pace with the growing needs of the fisheries sector),” he added.
Modernizing fisheries infrastructure
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Marcos inspected both the fish port's operations and the rehabilitation works being undertaken at the complex.
The inspection forms part of the administration's continuing efforts to modernize public infrastructure supporting the fisheries sector and strengthen the country's food supply chain.
The PCO said the rehabilitation aims to ensure that the facilities can accommodate increasing demand while improving the efficiency of fish handling and distribution.
Located in Navotas City, the NFPC is the country's premier fish port and one of the largest fish ports in Southeast Asia. Operated by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), it serves as the primary landing, trading, processing, and distribution center for fish and other marine products from various parts of the country.
Last month, the PFDA and the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced a P1.6-billion upgrade project intended to expand the complex by nearly 25 hectares and transform it into a multifaceted trading hub for both fish and agricultural commodities.
Better livelihood, stable food supply
Marcos said upgrading the fish port would benefit not only fishermen but also traders, workers, and consumers.
"Sa mas moderno at mas maayos na pantalan, magiging mas ligtas at mas episyente ang operasyon (With a more modern and better-equipped port, operations will become safer and more efficient),” he said.
The President added that the improvements would improve the livelihood of the country’s fishermen, traders, and others who depend on the fishing industry.
He also said the rehabilitation would help ensure a continuous supply of quality food for Filipinos.