General santos: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has ordered a comprehensive structural assessment of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA)-General Santos Fish Port Complex, one of the country's key fisheries facilities, following a significant earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.

According to Philippines News Agency, Market Halls 1, 2, and 3 at the GenSan fish port were temporarily closed after the June 8 earthquake, with Market Hall 4 operating under limited conditions. In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the importance of understanding the facility's condition more completely, which will include a geotechnical investigation and additional inspections due to the aftershocks. He stated, "Although the wharf generally appeared structurally sound, we should expedite further inspection of subsurface conditions. We cannot risk the lives of our people who rely on this fish port for their livelihood."

Preliminary findings indicated that the port remains structurally sound, based on an initial report submitted to the PFDA Board on June 18. Initial assessments post-earthquake took place from June 8 to 9, leading to the temporary closure of several sections of the fish port. A more detailed assessment is expected to validate the facility's condition further and guide necessary interventions.

Despite the temporary closure of three market halls, fish port operations are continuing through contingency measures, ensuring the flow of fish products and export activities while safety assessments proceed. The fish port complex is a crucial hub for the tuna industry and supports a broad supply chain extending across Mindanao and international export markets. More than 200,000 Filipinos depend directly and indirectly on General Santos' fishery sector.