Davao — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is making a massive leap in its mission to secure the nation’s food supply with a strategic P190 million investment in Davao del Sur’s fisheries infrastructure. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. personally inspected the ongoing construction of two state-of-the-art municipal fish ports in the municipalities of Malalag and Sta. Cruz on July 13, 2026. These facilities are central to the government’s modernization agenda, designed to transform how coastal communities process and distribute their catch to the rest of the country. By upgrading these critical hubs, the DA aims to significantly reduce spoilage and boost the livelihood of local fisherfolk who drive the region's blue economy.
Strengthening the Fisheries Value Chain
At the heart of this investment is a focus on post-harvest efficiency, a critical bottleneck in the country's fish production sector. Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized that these modern ports are more than just concrete structures; they are vital investments in food security that will protect the hard work of Filipino fishers. By providing facilities that allow for better handling and preservation, the government is effectively cutting down the high rate of post-harvest losses that often force fishers to sell their catch at lower prices. The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) acting General Manager, Glen Pangapalan, noted that these improvements will fortify the entire fisheries value chain, ensuring that seafood reaches markets fresher and more reliably.
Modernization as a Tool for Empowerment
The Malalag and Sta. Cruz projects are part of a broader, nationwide effort to modernize regional infrastructure under the Marcos administration's food security agenda. In coastal areas like Davao del Sur, where fishing is a primary source of income, having access to advanced port technology is a game-changer for economic stability. These ports will serve as a bridge between small-scale fisherfolk and larger commercial supply networks, enabling them to move their products more efficiently to urban centers. As the construction progresses, the DA expects these facilities to empower local communities by providing the infrastructure needed to compete in a more modernized market environment.
A Sustainable Future for Coastal Economies
Beyond the immediate benefit of reduced waste, the investment reflects a long-term strategy to ensure the sustainability of the Philippines' coastal resources. By facilitating a more orderly movement of fish, the DA is also encouraging more responsible fishing practices and better resource management at the municipal level. The modernization of ports in Davao del Sur is set to serve as a model for other coastal provinces aiming to bolster their local food systems. As these projects move toward completion, the provincial government and the DA remain committed to continuous oversight, ensuring that every peso spent translates into lasting growth for the thousands of families who depend on the sea for their livelihood.
