President Marcos has met the crew members of Philippine ships that were recently water cannoned by the Chinese Coast Guard near Bajo de Masinloc.

During his inspection at the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA)-Sual Fish Port Complex on Thursday, July 30, Marcos took time to greet the Filipino crew members.

The President greeted the 28 crew members of BRP Cabanigan and BRP Robert Servañez, who were subjected to water cannon attacks by the Chinese Coast Guard while conducting a routine mission near Bajo de Masinloc on July 23 and 24.

The Chief Executive also met the captains and crew of other BFAR vessels docked at the port, including BRP Datu Dumangsil, BRP Datu Paduhinog, and BRP Joselito.

Marcos later boarded BRP Datu Paduhinog for a brief inspection before holding a short discussion with local officials on fisheries and port operations.

During the inspection, Marcos also met local fishermen and personnel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Marcos was in Pangasinan to inspect the newly rehabilitated fish port in the province, which underwent repairs after aging facilities and damaged infrastructure caused operational inefficiencies and a decline in the volume of fish unloaded at the port.

During the inspection, he checked the Refrigeration and Processing Building, where he received a briefing on the rehabilitation project and its operational improvements.

The President also inspected the classification area, ice storage and chiller rooms, fish processing sections, packing room, blast freezers, boxing area, cold storage facilities, and the loading area.

A decline in the volume of fish unloaded at the port was recorded, from 485.66 metric tons in 2024 to 74.13 metric tons in 2025.

The upgraded complex is expected to improve fish handling and processing efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, expand market access for fisherfolk, and help ensure a steady supply of quality fish and other marine products.

The Sual Fish Port is the only regional fish port in Northern Luzon designed to accommodate large fishing vessels and serves fishing communities along the Lingayen Gulf, the western coast of Pangasinan, and parts of the Ilocos coastline.

The modernization project included the rehabilitation and construction of market halls, cold storage facilities, a multi-purpose pier, sorting areas, access roads, and other support infrastructure aimed at improving port operations.

According to Marcos, the project forms part of the government's nationwide program to modernize fish ports and improve the country's fisheries supply chain.

Before his visit to the port, Marcos also led the distribution of government assistance in Tarlac, where he witnessed the distribution of rice under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). He also led the turnover of Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF) financial assistance check totaling P102.2 million for 511 barangays in Tarlac.