THE government is investing nearly P190 million to build two modern fish ports in Davao del Sur, aiming to cut post-harvest losses, strengthen food security, and boost economic activity in coastal communities, said the Department of Agriculture (DA).
On Monday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Acting General Manager Glen Pangapalan inspected the projects in the towns of Malalag and Sta. Cruz.
The Malalag Municipal Fish Port in Barangay Baybay completed its first phase in late 2024, becoming the municipality’s first modern fish landing and trading facility.
Its second phase — covering reclamation, site development, utility systems, a trading hall, warehouse, and administration building — is under construction and due for completion by the first quarter of 2027.
The Sta. Cruz Municipal Fish Port in Barangay Bato, also targeted for early 2027 completion, will have a market hall, ice stall, food hub, administration building, and access roads to centralize fish unloading and trading for nearby fishing communities.
The PFDA said the projects reflect its push to turn municipal fish ports into modern fisheries hubs that draw investment and create jobs.
Tiu Laurel noted the facilities are expected to spur investment in cold storage, processing, and logistics.
“Modern fish ports are investments in food security. By reducing post-harvest losses and improving the movement of fish from coastal communities to consumers, we strengthen the country’s food supply while helping fisherfolk earn more from every catch,” he said.
Every PFDA-built fish port represents an investment in domestic fisheries, creating conditions for fisherfolk, traders, and processors “to thrive together,” Pangapalan added.
The DA said the initiative reflects a shift in agricultural policy from boosting output alone to strengthening post-harvest systems, with the goal of preserving product quality, cutting waste, and delivering more affordable seafood while raising fishing communities’ incomes.
