MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) denied on Wednesday “unfounded” allegations that the management of the Navotas Fish Port Complex (NPFC) has refused entry to stakeholders with expired permits.
“Today, we were made aware of unsubstantiated allegations that several individuals were prohibited entry from Philippine Fisheries Development Authority-Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA- NPFC), in view of their expired permits, and that our port management arbitrarily refused to renew the same. We vehemently deny this unfounded accusation,” the PFDA said in a statement.
The agency said that the management of the port complex continues to serve the public while promoting the objectives of the enhanced community quarantine being implemented in the entire Luzon.
It added that it will continue to issue necessary permits to stakeholders with legitimate business within its fish ports, provided that health protocols are being observed in their business operations.
The PFDA added it will continue to exercise due diligence in evaluating permit applications.
“The public can rest assured that the PFDA will continue to implement the necessary measures in keeping with our commitment to contribute to fish accessibility and availability during this challenging time,” said the agency.
The fish port opened on Easter Sunday after the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Fisheries Development Authority disinfected the area Saturday due to the threat of coronavirus disease (COVID).
Seventy percent of the fish supply of Metro Manila passes through the complex, according to the DA. It recently started rehabilitation and upgrading for the next three years to transform it into an integrated center for various agricultural commodities.
The P14 billion rehab project will include the expansion and elevation of unloading stations, repair of road networks and drainage systems, and establishment of state of the art cold storage facilities.