By Elsha Marie S. Arguel
SUAL, Pangasinan, Philippines — President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. inspected the upgraded Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Sual Fish Port here on Thursday, July 30, as the government steps up efforts to modernize fisheries infrastructure, support fishing communities, and strengthen the movement of fish from fishing grounds to markets in Northern Luzon.
The upgraded facility is expected to improve services for fishing vessels and fisheries stakeholders while helping create more efficient conditions for fishing, post-harvest handling, and other activities across the fisheries value chain.
Located along the Lingayen Gulf, the Sual Fish Port is the only regional fish port in Northern Luzon and is designed to accommodate large fishing vessels.
It serves fishing communities in Pangasinan, the western portion of the province, and parts of the Ilocos coastline, giving the facility a strategic role in the region’s fisheries logistics and food supply.
The modernization project included improvements to the market halls, cold storage facilities, multi-purpose pier, sorting areas, access roads, and other support infrastructure.
The rehabilitation was undertaken to address operational constraints associated with aging and damaged facilities.
The need to improve port operations comes amid a significant decline in fish unloaded at the facility, from 485.66 metric tons in 2024 to 74.13 metric tons in 2025.
The figures highlight the importance of maintaining efficient fisheries infrastructure to support fishing operations and post-harvest activities.
With the upgraded facilities, fishing vessels are expected to have better access to docking, repair, resupply, unloading, and other essential services.
Improved port operations can also benefit fish traders, processors, transporters, workers, and other businesses that depend on the fisheries sector.
During his visit, Marcos met local fishermen and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) personnel, including the 28 crew members of BRP Cabanigan and BRP Robert Servañez.
For his part, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu-Laurel Jr. said the two vessels were at the port for repairs and a resupply trip before returning to their fishing grounds.
“For now, these two vessels are here to undergo repairs and resupply before returning to the fishing grounds,” Laurel said.
He added that the vessels were provided with fuel, water, and food, while their crew members were given time to rest following recent bad weather.
The President also met the captains and crew of BRP Datu Dumangsil, BRP Datu Paduhinog, and BRP Joselito, which were docked at the facility.
He later boarded the BRP Datu Paduhinog for a brief inspection and discussed fisheries and port operations with local officials.
The rehabilitation of the Sual Fish Port is part of government efforts to improve fisheries infrastructure and strengthen the capability of fishing communities to participate in a more efficient and resilient food supply chain.
For Northern Luzon, a modernized regional fish port can provide a critical link between fishing grounds, landing facilities, markets, and consumers, while supporting livelihood opportunities for communities whose incomes depend on fisheries.
As the government continues to invest in fisheries infrastructure, the improved Sual Fish Port is expected to play a greater role in supporting fishing activities and the movement of fish products across the region, contributing to the goals of supporting fisherfolk’s livelihood, modernizing fisheries, and ensuring food security. (AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)
