(CONGRESSMAN SHEEN GONZALES FACEBOOK)
TACLOBAN CITY — The push to modernize fish port infrastructure with cold storage facilities is expected to significantly improve incomes and living conditions in coastal communities, according to Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales.
Gonzales, a member of the House committee on aquaculture and fisheries, said modern fish ports create wider economic opportunities beyond fishing, strengthening the entire fisheries value chain from production to processing and distribution.
“The development of modern fish ports with cold storage creates a ripple effect of economic opportunities. It strengthens the fisheries sector while opening doors for processing, logistics, and related industries,” Gonzales said in a statement.
He added that such facilities also benefit consumers by ensuring access to fresher seafood at more stable prices while reducing post-harvest losses common in traditional fish handling systems.
Gonzales, together with 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, authored bills seeking to establish state-run fish ports with cold storage facilities in the coastal municipalities of Dolores and Oras.
The lawmaker outlined several key benefits of the proposed infrastructure, including job creation in port operations, ice production, fish processing, transport, and logistics services, as well as reduced fish spoilage due to improved storage systems.
He also said the facilities would allow small-scale fisherfolk to avoid “rush selling,” enabling them to wait for better market prices and reducing dependence on middlemen and informal lenders.
Other expected benefits include more stable seafood prices in local markets, expansion of value-added seafood industries such as dried and processed fish products, and improved access to larger markets including Metro Manila and other urban centers.
Gonzales also noted that cold storage systems can serve as a buffer during disasters, ensuring continuous seafood supply even when fishing operations are disrupted by typhoons.
He emphasized that investing in modern fish port infrastructure is a long-term strategy for strengthening food security, boosting economic resilience, and promoting inclusive growth in coastal communities.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
