SAN JOSE, Antique – The municipal government here wants to upgrade its fish port so it could be used not only by fishing boats but by sea vessels transporting other commodities.
The fish port became operational just this January after undergoing repair. A barge owned by the Arbor Star slammed and damaged the riprap of the fish port on July 26, 2019.
“It was because of the heavy waves during Tropical Depression Falcon. The barge, which was seeking shelter nearby, slammed into the portion of the port,” said Darcy Bungay, the Municipal Economic Enterprise and Development Office chief.
The fish port had been instrumental in boosting the livelihood of local fishermen.
“It had a really positive impact on the lives of the people,” said Mayor Elmer Untaran.
But not only local fishermen used the fish port. Fishermen from other places like Palawan, did so, too, because of the bounty of Antique’s seas and for fish trading, Untaran stressed.
The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) funded the construction of the P40-million fish port that was turned over to the local government of San Jose on Oct. 4, 2017.
“On the average, six to 17 fishing boats dock at the port daily,” Bungay said.
Since the port has become essential to Antiqueños, the local government of San Jose wants it upgraded.
“We already submitted a feasibility study to the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project to the tune of P300 million last July 16, 2020,” Bungay said.
Through this proposed upgrading, the berthing area and other facilities like fish brokering would be set up at the fish port. (PNA/PN)
