THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P6.037 billion for the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), which will be used to enhance the country's fish ports.

In a statement on Monday, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the appropriaton served as the government's subsidy for this year to implement the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Program.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman

"Our shores are more than mere lines on the map. It is among the driving forces of our nation," she added.

"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."

Pangandaman said the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) was signed last month and the budget would be released to the PFDA under the 2024 General Appropriations Act.

According to the World Bank, the fishing industry makes up 1.3 percent of the country's economy, which also provides about 1.6 million jobs, including for low-income families who fish for their livelihood.

Pangandaman said that changes in appropriations introduced by Congress would allocate P1.1 billion to build, fix, and upgrade fish ports and other facilities used after fishing.

"When our fish ports are well-maintained and taken care of, it greatly benefits the livelihood of fishermen and the development of the community," she added.

The PFDA operates nine regional fish ports (RFPs) particularly in Navotas, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Camaligan, Lucena, Sual, Davao, General Santos and Bulan. It also jointly manages the Tacloban Fish Port with the municipality of Leyte.

The agency, which is under the Department of Agriculture, was created to help the domestic fishing industry grow by building facilities and offering services to handle and distribute fish, in the process ensuring catch quality.

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