Farmers and fisherfolk associations received agricultural machinery and boats worth ₱37.9 million
Iloilo City — The newly upgraded Iloilo Fish Port Complex in Barangay Tanza Baybay, Iloilo City was officially inaugurated on August 13, 2025, marking a major milestone for Western Visayas’ agro-fishery sector.
(Image: Rep. Jamjam Baronda FB)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., joined by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., led the ceremony and inspection of the facility, which underwent a ₱885.1-million modernization and capacity expansion spearheaded by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA).
As the only PFDA regional fish port in the Visayas, the complex plays a crucial role in supporting fish catch from Iloilo’s coastal towns and neighboring provinces such as Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and parts of Negros. Its strategic location and expanded commercial leasing spaces make it a vital hub for inter-island trade and fisheries commerce.
Beyond infrastructure, the port now operates a 390-kilowatt-peak solar photovoltaic system with 1,152 solar panel modules installed across key buildings, including the market hall, cold storage, and administration facilities—underscoring Iloilo’s commitment to sustainable development.
The beloved Paluto sa Iloilo Fish Port Complex, a culinary gem that celebrates Iloilo’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, is also set to welcome more seafood concessionaires, further enriching the city’s food tourism landscape.
“We have responded to the needs of our paluto vendors during the pandemic and have worked hard for them to have a P300-million Food Hall and, in collaboration with TIEZA, a Seafood Wharf,” said Rep. Jamjam Baronda.
This upgraded facility not only strengthens the region’s economic backbone but also honors Iloilo’s cultural identity and environmental stewardship. As Mayor Raisa Treñas and city officials emphasized during the event, the port stands as a beacon of progress and pride for Ilonggos across the region.
Meanwhile, 37 farmers and fisherfolk associations across Iloilo received agricultural machinery and boats worth ₱37.9 million from the Department of Agriculture. The support includes tractors, harvesters, rice and corn mills, and fiberglass boats with engines to boost productivity.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected them during the reopening of the Iloilo Fish Port Complex. Beneficiaries hail from towns like Calinog, Oton, Carles, and Janiuay, among others./
Photos and info sources: Balita Halin sa Kapitolyo, Iloilo City Government, and Rep. Jamjam Baronda’s Facebook pages
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