By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the distribution of P22.9 million worth of assistance to various fisherfolk associations and cooperatives in General Santos City as he laid out his plans to improve the cold chain system and develop the fisheries sector in the country.
The President reaffirmed this commitment during his inspection of the General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC), which is undergoing rehabilitation spearheaded by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA).
“Kaya gagawin namin ang lahat para naman masuportahan ‘yong buong—hindi lamang ‘yong cold storage, kung hindi ‘yong buong cold chain para ‘yong [mga nahuhuli] natin… pagdating sa market ay maganda pa rin at ‘yong quality nung isda ay ma-maintain para siyempre mas maganda ang benta,” Marcos said.
He underscored the need to upgrade fishing infrastructure and build more fish ports and cold storage facilities nationwide to ensure quality of fish and other seafood while noting the importance of the GSFPC in the regional economy and the entire fishing industry’s role in attaining food security.
“Malaking kontribusyon ng GenSan at lahat ng fisheries industry sa pagpapakain sa buong Pilipinas,” the President told the fisherfolk community. “Kaya ang laki rin ng kontribusyon sa ating ekonomiya itong inyong industriya kaya’t kailangan eh ang pamahalaan ay nandiyan.”
Among the assistance distributed by the President and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. during their visit, according to the D.A., include:
- 11 fish aggregating devices worth P2.2 million;
- Salt production tools such as solar dryers and cooking setups worth P5.9 million;
- Boats and marine engines valued at P2.2 million;
- P1.9 million for marine fish cage inputs;
- P50,000 for hito fingerlings;
- P1.5 million for a village-type fish processing center;
- P500,000 for fish processing and marketing equipment; and
- P8.6 million for complete seaweed farm implements and nursery maintenance.
Laurel Jr., for his part, stressed that modernizing the cold chain and the agri-fishery port network is key to reduce post-harvest losses and increase the income of the fisherfolk.
“This fish port project gives a clear view of a better future,” Laurel said, adding that the upgrading of the GSFPC “reflects our shared commitment to build a more resilient and profitable livelihood for our [fisherfolk].”
-jpv
