INCOME SOURCE Small fishermen in Palawan depend on seaweed farming to support their families. (File photo by GEOFFREY DELAHAYE / Contributor)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Monday said it released over P6 billion to the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) to help improve fish ports in the country.
According to the DBM, the budget will allow the PFDA to implement the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Program of the Authority.
The funds were taken from the 2024 national budget.
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“Our shores are more than mere lines on the map. It is among the driving forces of our nation,” DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a statement.
“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,” he added.
The DBM noted that P1.1 billion of the allotted budget will be used to construct, rehabilitate, and improve fish ports and other fishery post-harvest facilities in the country.
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“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,” Pangandaman said.
(If fish ports are organized and well maintained, they will greatly help the fisherfolk and the development of the community. That is why we are ensuring that under President Bongbong Marcos, they will have proper support for their projects.)
The PFDA supports the operations of the regional fish ports of Navotas, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Camaligan, Lucena, Sual, Davao, General Santos, and Bulan Fish Port.
The Special Allotment Release Order was signed on February 28. This move was announced to the media on Monday.