P200M set aside for Iloilo fish port

THE Department of Agriculture has earmarked P200 million to rehabilitate and upgrade the Iloilo Fish Port Complex (IFPC), as well as the completion of the construction of a breakwater to protect fishing vessels docking at the port.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that the upgrading of the 21-hectare fish port complex and completion of the 600-meter breakwater would transform Iloilo City into a major fishtrading hub next to Navotas City.

“Once the IFPC is upgraded it would attract more investors and locators, particularly fish processors, thus providing more income for fisherfolk and their families, and generating additional employment,” Alcala said.

Alcala, accompanied by Sen. Franklin Drilon, made the commitment during a ceremonial groundbreaking of a P105-million breakwater at the fish port in Brgy. Tanza, Iloilo City.

Drilon also shared P30 million under his Priority Development Assistance Fund ( PDAF) to fast track the construction of the breakwater along the eastern side of IFPC.

Meanwhile, Alcala said that he has instructed the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, which operates and manages the IFPC and other major fish ports in the country, to submit soonest a rehabilitation and upgrading work and financial plan.

He also asked PDAF General Manager Eduardo Chu to coordinate closely with the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, fisherfolk groups, and Panay Fishing Boat Operators to craft a plan on how to make optimum use of the Iloilo fish port complex.

The IFPC has already an existing breakwater at its western side. The construction of another breakwater at the eastern side came about when Senator Drilon embarked on a project to clean up Iloilo River and clear it from fishing vessels that have been docking along its banks.

The vessels were asked to dock instead at the fish port, which needed another breakwater to ably protect them during the southwest monsoon season or