Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Surigao City on the construction of the Surigao Fish Port Complex on June 21, 2024 at the PFDA – Central Office, Diliman, Quezon City.
This ceremonial signing marks the inception of the construction of the new Surigao Fish Port Complex. PFDA Acting General Manager Atty. Glen A. Pangapalan announced that the project is earmarked as part of the PFDA 2023-2028 Multi-Year Plan.
Moreover, this supports the vision of the Department of Agriculture Secretary Mr. Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. and President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to advance the country’s agri-fisheries sector through the development of world-class fishery post-harvest facilities.
 |
 |
 |
| Meeting with Surigao City LGU |
||
Surigao City Mayor Hon. Pablo Yves L. Dumlao II warmly welcomed this partnership and thanked the PFDA for its continued support of the fishing industry in the province. Mayor Dumlao proudly noted that Surigao City is a logistics highway between Visayas and Mindanao, making it a viable and strategic agricultural hub.
The establishment of the Surigao Fish Port Complex could potentially offer various benefits to Surigao City LGU, including:
- Ensure food security and accessibility to affordable and nutritious food;
- Increase revenue through business and real property taxes and fees from permits and licenses;
- Create jobs for residents during the construction and port operation;
- Diversify the economy by attracting new businesses in the fishery sector, which may reduce dependence on a single industry and increase economic resilience; and
- Improve fishery product quality and decrease post-harvest losses.
 |
 |
 |
| MOU and MOA signing with Surigao City LGU |
||
As part of the MOU and MOA signing, GM Pangapalan instructed the creation of a Technical Working Group composed of PFDA and Surigao City LGU officials to oversee the construction and port operations and management of the much-anticipated project.
Moreover, Phase 1 of the project is expected to start this year. This phase includes reclamation and marine works, construction of a pier, market hall, administration building, material recovery facility, new public comfort room, entrance/exit arc, and a guard house.
Officials from the PFDA and Surigao City LGU witnessed the signing.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez and Paul Vincent R. del Rosario – Public Information Division)