PFDA to Construct P96.7 Million Ice Plant in Sorsogon to Boost Fisheries Supply Chain

The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) will build a P96.7 million ice plant in Bulan, Sorsogon to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the fisheries supply chain in the Bicol Region. "Food security is not only about catching more fish," said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. during an inspection of the Bulan Fish Port Complex, where the facility will be built. The 60-metric-ton plant will produce as many as 1,200 blocks of ice every 24 hours and have a storage capacity of 120 metric tons, or about 2,400 ice blocks. PFDA Acting General Manager Glen A. Pangapalan said the project would help fisherfolk preserve the quality of their catch, reduce spoilage and improve incomes. The Bulan Fish Port Complex handled 23,780.5 metric tons of fish in 2023, with daily unloading rising during the peak fishing season from March to June. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza