By Darryl John Esguerra

MODERN PORT. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally inspects the rehabilitation of the Navotas Fish Port Complex on Saturday (July 11, 2026), saying modernizing the country’s biggest fish trading hub is key to keeping seafood affordable, supporting fisherfolk and ensuring food security. During his visit, the President checked both its day-to-day operations and the progress of infrastructure upgrades designed to meet the growing needs of the fishing industry. (PCO photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of the Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC) on Saturday, saying the modernization of the country’s largest fish trading hub is crucial to improving the livelihoods of fisherfolk and ensuring a stable supply of quality seafood for Filipinos.

In a social media post, Marcos described the NFPC as one of the country’s primary fish landing and trading centers, underscoring the need to upgrade its facilities to keep pace with the growing demands of the fisheries sector.

He said modern and upgraded port facilities would make fish port operations safer and more efficient while benefiting those who rely on the fishing industry.

“Sa mas moderno at mas maayos na pantalan, magiging mas ligtas at mas episyente ang operasyon, mapapabuti ang kabuhayan ng ating mga mangingisda, negosyante at iba pang umaasa sa industriya ng pangingisda, at masisiguro ang tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng de-kalidad na pagkain para sa ating mga kababayan (With a more modern and improved port, operations will become safer and more efficient, the livelihoods of our fisherfolk, entrepreneurs, and others dependent on the fishing industry will be enhanced, and a steady supply of high-quality food for our fellow citizens will be ensured),” he added.

The inspection forms part of the administration’s continuing efforts to improve public infrastructure supporting the fisheries sector and strengthen the country’s food security by ensuring a sufficient and steady supply of fish and other marine products.

During the visit, Marcos examined the operations of the fish port and the progress of the rehabilitation works aimed at modernizing one of the country’s most vital fisheries facilities.

The President was accompanied by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel.

The Navotas Fish Port Complex, operated by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, serves as the country’s premier fish trading center and plays a key role in the distribution of seafood across Metro Manila and nearby provinces. (PNA)