The provincial government of Iloilo unveiled on Tuesday a USD7.8 million project in the form of a grant from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), which will boost the fishing and local business communities in the municipality of Concepcion and nearby areas.

The Northern Iloilo Fishery Rehabilitation and Development Project (NI-FRDP) restored and modernized the Concepcion Fish Port, a crucial facility that serves local fishermen and their families, according to a provincial government statement released late afternoon Tuesday.

The upgraded port features an elevated platform, improved drainage, a wider parking area, and brighter, energy-efficient lighting.

“This is a big help for us, fisherfolk, especially those with larger fishing vessels who struggled to dock at the old facility,” Olivia Pansensoy, president of the Tambaliza Small Fishermen’s Association (TASFA) Banban chapter, said in the statement.

She added that the improved port eases congestion and extends business hours, benefiting consumers and fisherfolk.

Concepcion Mayor Millard Villanueva said the fish port is not just an infrastructure development but “a beacon of hope signaling the continuous recovery and empowerment of our fishing community.”

The upgraded fish port was designed to withstand future natural disasters, ensuring the long-term viability of Northern Iloilo’s fishery sector.

Capacity-building programs have been integrated into the project, focusing on empowering stakeholders with sustainable fishing practices and fostering stronger community engagement.

In his message, Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. highlighted the Visayan Sea’s critical role in sustaining the economy and tourism.

“There can be no fishport without the fish,” Defensor said, emphasizing the need for effective marine resource management to ensure the health of the Visayan Sea, one of Iloilo’s most vital natural assets.

The project’s inauguration highlighted the robust relationship between the Philippines and Korea, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties and KOICA’s 30th anniversary in the Philippines, added the statement.

KOICA Country Director Kim Eunsab, in his message, expressed the continued commitment of the agency to supporting fisheries and agriculture projects, calling this moment “an occasion to intensify our assistance to the Philippines.” (PNA)