Department of Budget and Management Secretary Mina Pangandaman cleared the release of the ₱6.037 billion total authorized appropriation of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), which serves as the National Government (NG) subsidy of fiscal year 2024 to implement the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Program of the Authority.
“Our shores are more than mere lines on the map. It is among the driving forces of our nation. 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,” Secretary Pangandaman said.
Data from the World Bank reveals that 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.
Representing Congress-Introduced Changes in Appropriations, ₱1.1 billion will be used for the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of fish ports and other fishery post-harvest facilities in the country.
"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," Secretary Pangandaman added.
The PFDA sustains the operation of the nine (9) Regional Fish Ports (RFPs) particularly in Navotas, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Camaligan, Lucena, Sual, Davao, General Santos, and Bulan Fish Port. It likewise jointly manages the Tacloban Fish Port with the municipality of Leyte.
The PFDA, an attached agency of 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 and enhance their quality.
The Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) was signed on 28 February 2024. The budget will be released to the PFDA under the 2024 General Appropriations Act.
