TACLOBAN CITY – Two bills seeking the construction of modern fishports with ice plants and cold storage in Eastern Samar’s coastal towns of Dolores and Oras have been filed in the House of Representatives to boost the province’s fishing industry.
Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales authored the measures, co-signed by House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, to help fisherfolk reduce post-harvest losses, maintain product quality, and gain better market access.
“These fishport projects are long overdue investments in our seaside communities. Our fisherfolk deserve the same level of infrastructure support that we provide to farmers,” Gonzales said.
House Bill 123, or the Dolores Fish Port Act, proposes a fully equipped fishport in Barangay Japitan, Dolores, while House Bill 124, or the Oras Fish Port Act, seeks a similar facility in Barangay Tawagan, Oras.
Both projects will include ice plants and cold storage facilities to prolong fish freshness and improve pricing.
Gonzales said the projects will also create jobs, attract allied industries, and enhance food security. The Department of Agriculture, through the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, will build and operate the facilities before turning them over to local governments.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
