Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Top Management and officials met with representatives from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) and discussed possible collaboration on fishery improvement projects on May 15, 2024, at the PFDA – Central Office Main Conference Room, Quezon City. 

PFDA Acting General Manager Atty. Glen A. Pangapalan presented the proposed PFDA's Deep Water Fish Ports Project. These ports will serve as entry and exit points for both fishery and agricultural products that can significantly lower the transportation cost for farmers and fisherfolk. 

Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Fisheries Ms. Drusila Esther E. Bayate and DA Assistant Secretary for Logistics Mr. Daniel Atayde attended the meeting. 

"These proposed projects are expected to rise in strategic locations nationwide. We have projects in the north, east, west, and south seaboard that can provide immediate access and logistical support to fishery and agricultural products. These projects are important because they will benefit the future generation," GM Pangapalan said.

Moreover, the PFDA Deep Water Fish Ports Project is the Agency's answer to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s instruction to ramp up the anti-smuggling efforts and address trading and transport bottlenecks to ensure food security in the country.

TBI Head of Trade & Infrastructure, Mr. Frank Matsaert, and his team showed great interest in the project. Mr. Matsaert said that TBI's vision is to help governments and leaders by providing strategies and insights to help build a prosperous country for all. 

Furthermore, on May 16, the TBI team visited the PFDA–Iloilo Fish Port Complex (PFDA-IFPC) and met with the port management led by Port Manager Ms. Jovy M. Garrido to discuss the ongoing port rehabilitation project. Afterward, the team toured the port and its vicinity and paid a courtesy visit to DA Regional Field Office 6 and Philippine Ports Authority – Iloilo.

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division)