The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority-constructed Bulan Municipal Fish Port (BMFP), located in Sorsogon Province, will be upgraded to a Regional Fish Port. The groundbreaking ceremony was held recently, through the initiative of the PFDA and the Local Government of Bulan, Sorsogon. A number of officials arrived and participated in the ceremony, including Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero, Governor Robert Lee Rodrigueza, Mayor Romeo Gordola, DA Undersecretary for Fisheries and BFAR Director Eduardo Gongona, PFDA General Manager Atty. Glen Pangapalan, and PFDA Assistant General Manager Atty. Loralie Datahan and Camaligan Fish Port Manager Carlos Hagosojos.

The Bulan Municipal Fish Port (BMFP) is located in the south-westernmost tip of Luzon Island, making it accessible to fishing boats and fish investors alike. It has a wide area of influence due to its strategic location, and is presently thriving with commerce coming from Northern Samar, Masbate, and Leyte.

One of the key improvements planned for this project is the expansion of its present lot area of 4,000 square meters. The Corporate Planning Division of the PFDA proposed an additional 11,000 square meters to the current lot area of the port, and designating the whole expanse of land as Phase 1 of the BFPC. There will also be a second phase, which is estimated to cover 13,000 square meters of land. Along with this expansion will come new facilities such as ice stalls, food stalls, banyera warehouse, a spacious parking area, and bigger market halls.

According to PFDA General Manager, Atty. Glen Pangapalan, this transformation is expected to attract more business opportunities and encourage more investors in the area.

Among the target beneficiaries of this project are the 78 existing locators operating inside the BMFP, and approximately 1,541 registered fishing vessels unloading at the port with an estimated labor force of 6,413 coming not only from Bulan but also from the neighboring towns. It will solve the problems of congestion in the landing quays, and the lack of space in the market hall. The fishers will have better chances of showcasing their products in the improved facilities. To top it all off, this project is anticipated to benefit the populace in the province of Sorsogon with the increase in employment opportunities and development of tourism in the vicinity. (Thea Lacson and Tess Francisco)