[ Manila Bulletin Online ] January 22, 2009
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has approved financing for the P2-billion Navotas Fish Port rehabilitation to be funded by the China National Construction and Agricultural Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CNC-AMIEC).
The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) is ready to implement the rehabilitation of the Navotas Fish Port which is hoped to raise fish loadings for Metro Manila and raise raw materials supply for fish processors.
"The new facility will be more efficient. The upgrading will put up new facilities for market, roads, waste treatment plant, refrigeration facilities, and areas for boat repair. It will stabilize the supply of fish," said PFDA General Manager Petronilo B. Buendia in an interview.
The NEDA technical board and the NEDA investment coordinating committee have already endorsed financing approval for the Navotas port rehabilitation. It is further undergoing review as advised by the office of the president.
Having started operation in 1978 or 32 years ago, the port facility needs intensive repair specially as the facility has become more prone to flooding.
"Because of global warming, certain facilities go under water during high tide," he said.
Critical for repair are the unloading areas, trading and distribution areas, and storage because one of the major concerns is to ensure that there is enough fish supply for Metro Manila year-round regardless of the fishing season.
PFDA is envisioning the Navotas port to go through a similar successful repair as that of the General Santos Fish Port which is able to supply more tuna to tuna canners that export canned tuna in brine and in oil to the United States and Europe.
Also financed by the CNC-AMIEC, the General Santos fish port rehabilitation was completed in 2007 and increased storage capacity of the port and its capability to allow docking of big vessels.
