By Brian Jules Campued
A total of P6.073 billion was released to the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) for the implementation of the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Program, the Department of Budget and Management said Monday.
Of the amount, P1.1 billion will be allotted for the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of fish ports and other post-harvest facilities in the country.
In a statement, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said protecting the livelihood of fishermen by enhancing and developing globally competitive fish ports would allow ships and crews access to essential supplies and services as well as for operators to deliver their catches.
“Kapag maayos at napangangalagaan ang ating mga fish port, malaking pakinabang ito sa kabuhayan ng mga mangingisda at sa kaunlaran ng komunidad. Kaya sinisiguro po natin na sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, may kaukulang suporta ang mga proyekto para sa kanila,” Pangandaman added.
The DBM also cited data from the World Bank stating the fisheries sector contributes 1.3% to the gross domestic product of the Philippines and nearly 1.6 million or around 4% of the labor force, which includes low-income families engaged in subsistence fishing.
PFDA maintains the operation of nine regional fish ports particularly in Navotas, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Camaligan, Lucena, Sual, Davao, General Santos, and Bulan.
It also jointly manages the Tacloban fish port in Leyte.
Pangandaman signed the Special Allotment Release Order for the budget allocation on Feb. 28. – avds
