KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) — The opening of the P12.7-million fishport in Barangay Magpag-ong Batan, Aklan is seen to benefit some 3,840 fisherfolk in the area.
The project’s influence area covers 5,130.85 hectares, including 4,057 hectares of land and 1,073.85 hectares of fishery area, with 15,749 in population.
The facility was funded under the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Aklan.
For the Mapag-ong community and nearby barangays, the fishport is not just a facility but is considered their lifeline as it will serve as a hub or common and central landing area; docking, and trading operations of all fishery and other marine products of the municipality to help hasten their trade in the towns of Altavas (Southern Eastern), Balete, and Banga (Southern Western) and the capital town- Kalibo.
The facility, according to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, will also provide better access to and increase the fishery market, trade, and socio-economic activities.
The new fishport is seen to help address logistical challenges and reduce post-harvest losses while stimulating local socio-economic opportunities.
Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique M. Miraflores was elated with the project that will help many fisherfolks and their families, boatmen, and business owners/entrepreneurs.
“Padayon kita sa pagtao it pangabuhian ag suporta sa atong mga igmanghod nga mangingisda nga naga-sakripisyo agud makatao it pagkaon sa bilog natong komunidad,” Miraflores said.
(Let’s continue to provide livelihood and support to our fellow fishermen who sacrifice to provide food to our entire community.
Aside from enhancing the efficiency of the fish trade, the Mapag-ong Fishport will also foster job creation and support fisheries-related enterprises. (AGP/SQP/PIA Aklan with reports from Ally Valencia of ASU-Banga)
