Fisheries unit to build P96.7M ice plant in Bulan

THE Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (DA-PFDA) on Monday said it is building a P96.7-million ice plant in Bulan, Sorsogon, to keep more fish fresh, reduce waste, and raise incomes among fishing communities in the Bicol Region.Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. and PFDA Acting General Manager Glen Pangapalan inspected the 60-metric-ton ice plant and storage facility at the PFDA-Bulan fish port on the same day.The plant is expected to produce 1,200 blocks of ice, at 50 kilograms each, per 24-hour cycle, with storage capacity for 120 metric tons - about 2,400 blocks - ensuring a stable supply during the peak tamban (sardine) season.The added capacity is expected to boost Bulan's ice supply and help preserve larger volumes of fish for longer periods."Food security is not only about catching more fish. It is about making sure every kilogram that reaches our ports is preserved, marketed efficiently, and delivered to Filipino families in the best possible condition," Tiu-Laurel said, adding that the project would help cut post-harvest losses, strengthen the fisheries value chain, and improve fisherfolk incomes.The PFDA said the plant will make ice using water from treated deep wells and the local water system, and will be sold at P130 per 50-kilogram block, available in whole or crushed form.ExpansionPFDA is also implementing the Phase I expansion of the Bulan Fish Port Complex to meet growing demand for port services, expanding post-harvest facilities, and adding space for fish trading, handling and packing.The expansion will include a new trading hall, ice stalls, and a materials recovery facility, which are expected to improve operational efficiency, sanitation and overall port capacity."The expansion of the Bulan complex will reinforce the government's drive for a more resilient fisheries sector and stronger national food security," Tiu-Laurel said.In 2025, the Bulan fish port served 1,236 clients, including fisherfolk, brokers, traders and vessel operators. It recorded a total fish unloading volume of 23,780.50 metric tons, averaging 65.15 metric tons daily - rising to an estimated 81.87 metric tons per day during the peak fishing months of March to June.