Economic growth is anticipated in the municipality of Libon due to the planned PHP500-million expansion project at Pantao Port, which will be funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

During an interview on Monday, Albay Governor Noel Rosal said the project is expected to help boost Libon’s local economy once the expansion is completed.

“In Libon, it’s really a big deal because it’s right there in Pantao specifically. First, the labor; second, the livelihood,” he said.

During DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.’s visit to Pantao Port on March 11, PHP500 million in funding was allocated for the port’s development.

Rosal said different businesses are also expected to rise as the construction of the expansion begins.

“Not just in announcements, it should be ground-based, meaning the needs of the people now have really been addressed by our administration,” he added.

Rosal said the port expansion is also expected to impact the influx of visitors.

“That’s a major development in Libon. It will significantly boost the local economy,” he said.

The PHP500-million fund will be used to upgrade Pantao Port, including the renovation of facilities, installation of cold storage units, construction of buildings, acquisition of equipment, and other improvements needed to make the port fully operational.

The funding is part of the national government’s programs under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2026 aimed at strengthening agricultural infrastructure and improving livelihood opportunities in provinces across the country.

During his recent visit to Libon, Tiu also distributed about PHP65 million worth of livestock and poultry packages, farm inputs, and fisheries projects to Albayano farmers and fishers. (PNA)