ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Board, chaired by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., wants to harmonize all fish port development plans nationwide.

Laurel cited the need to continuously modernize fish ports with advanced trading and logistic facilities and a streamlined export process for fishery products during the recent meeting held in Iloilo City.

With this, he further urged the PFDA to be more efficient and cost-effective in addressing the problems in logistics for agriculture and fisheries, recognizing the farmers’ role in ensuring food security.

Part of the board meeting is the rundown of the 32 pipelined and ongoing PFDA projects this fiscal year and other development projects under the multi-year plan, all anchored on the thrusts of “Bagong Pilipinas.”

In addition, PFDA is also seeking approval for its proposed establishment of Deep-Water Ports for Fish and Agri-Industrial Products in Iloilo, Zamboanga, and Davao, considering this as a key strategy to enhance the logistic system for both input and production output.

PFDA plans to implement the project in areas with a sufficient water depth of 9 to 13 meters, which can accommodate heavily loaded ships and with proximity to existing transportation networks.

With the target for completion in three years, the deepwater port project is set to be implemented in four existing regional fish ports in General Santos, Zamboanga, Iloilo, and Davao.

PFDA also targets putting up the same projects in Cebu, Palawan, Surigao City, and ten other subports. (AAL/AGP/PIA 6)