The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released PHP6.037 billion to the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) for the implementation of the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Program.
In a statement Monday, the DBM said the amount will enable the PFDA to construct and rehabilitate fish ports and other fishery facilities.
“Enhancing and maintaining strategic and globally competitive fish ports would allow our ships and crews access to essential supplies and services, and for vessel operators to successfully bring in their catches, safeguarding the livelihood of our fishermen,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
According to the World Bank, the fisheries sector contributes 1.3 percent to the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) and roughly 1.6 million jobs or around 4 percent of the labor force, which includes low-income families engaged in subsistence fishing.
Of the amount, PHP1.1 billion will be used for the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of fish ports and other fishery post-harvest facilities in the country.
The Special Allotment Release Order for the budget allotment was signed by Pangandaman on Feb. 28.
“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 (When our fish ports are well-maintained, it greatly benefits the livelihood of fishermen and the development of the community. So we are making sure that under the leadership of President Bongbong Marcos, the projects intended for them have appropriate support),” the Budget chief said.
The PFDA sustains the operation of the nine regional fish ports particularly in Navotas, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Camaligan, Lucena, Sual in Pangasinan, Davao, General Santos, and Bulan in Sorsogon.
It likewise jointly manages the Tacloban fish port in Leyte.
The PFDA, a government-owned and -controlled corporation under the Department of Agriculture, was created to promote the development of the fishing industry through the provision of post-harvest infrastructure facilities and essential services that improve efficiency in the handling and distribution of fish and fishery products. (PNA)
