Iloilo city: Ilonggos have expressed their gratitude following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s visit, during which he inaugurated the expanded Iloilo Fish Port Complex. The PHP885.1-million modernization and capacity expansion project was executed by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority in Barangay Tanza Baybay.
According to Philippines News Agency, Iloilo City Representative Julienne Baronda emphasized the significance of the redevelopment, describing it as a “bold and concrete step” towards the region’s economic recovery. She highlighted the collaboration between the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority for the extension of the seafood wharf to boost food tourism.
Mayor Raisa Tre±as also noted the project’s impact on reducing fish prices in the city, expressing gratitude for the President’s commitment to sustaining such initiatives. Uswag Ilonggo Partylist Representative Jojo Ang praised the President for his visit and acknowledged the anticipated expansion of projects.
Workers at the fishing port have also welcomed the improvements. Mercy Meer, a checker at the Iloilo Fish Port Complex, noted the enhanced space and comfort, reflecting on the previous need for brokers to set up their own kiosks.
Serving as the only PFDA regional fish port in the Visayas, the Iloilo Fish Port is crucial for fisheries and agro-fishery businesses in Western Visayas. The complex features a 390-kilowatt-peak solar photovoltaic system with 1,152 solar panel modules powering essential buildings.
Supporting over 1,400 fishery industry participants, the port accommodates fish catches from Western Visayas and parts of Negros. President Marcos was accompanied by Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. during the visit.
In addition, President Marcos distributed over PHP37.9 million worth of machinery and support to farmers and fisherfolk associations, and provided indemnity checks to rice and corn farmers impacted by recent weather disturbances.
