A PHP180-million fish landing and trading facility that is expected to boost the local fish industry will soon rise in Orani, Bataan.

Governor Jose Enrique Garcia, who led the groundbreaking ceremony in Barangay Pantalan Bago on Thursday, said the facility, one of the biggest in Central Luzon, will benefit some 9,600 residents of the coastal town, particularly stakeholders at the Orani fishing port, such as fisherfolk, fishing brokers/traders, buyers and consumers.

He thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for granting the fund for the construction of the project, the World Bank and the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project.

“Lubos ang ating pasasalamat kay Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa pagbibigay ng pondo. Madaling mag-ground breaking pero mahirap mag-implement kung walang pondo (We are thankful to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for giving the fund. It is easy to have groundbreaking but it is difficult to implement if there is no fund),” Garcia said during the event.

The President personally handed the PHP180-million check to Orani Vice Mayor Emmanuel Roman during his visit to Bataan last March 31.

Orani Mayor Efren Pascual also thanked the Chief Executive for the funding that will pave the way for the establishment of the fish port facility in their coastal town.

“Malaki ang magiging ambag nito sa ating mga taga-Orani, sa buong lalawigan, at sa buong rehiyon. Taos-puso po tayong nagpapasalamat kay mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos sa walang hanggang suporta sa Orani at sa ating lalawigan (This will provide a big contribution to Orani, to the entire province and to the whole region. Our heartfelt gratitude to our beloved President Bongbong Marcos for the unending support to Orani and to our province),” he said.

Aside from boosting the local fishing industry, Pascual said the soon-to-rise facility will also attract tourists.

“This will become a tourist destination. Ito ay pwedeng maging daan upang pasyalan ang ating lugar (This can be a way so our place will be visited), so complementary,” he added.

Also present at the event were Senator Cynthia Villar, Rep. Geraldine Roman and other local officials.

The project is expected to be completed within 422 days. (PNA)