General santos city: A total of PHP22.9 million in assistance has been provided to local fishers in General Santos City, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported Friday. This initiative aligns with efforts to enhance the livelihoods of fisherfolks as the city undergoes significant port rehabilitation.

According to Philippines News Agency, this development follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of the General Santos City Fish Port Complex and his engagement with local fishers in the region, renowned as the country's tuna capital. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the administration's dedication to fostering more resilient and profitable livelihoods for fisherfolks.

The aid package includes PHP8.6 million allocated for complete seaweed farm implements and nursery maintenance, along with PHP5.9 million for salt production equipment, featuring solar dryers and cooking setups. Additionally, President Marcos and Tiu Laurel distributed 11 fish aggregating devices valued at PHP2.2 million, boats and marine engines totaling PHP2.2 million, and various marine resources such as fish cage inputs worth PHP1.9 million. Support also extended to a village-type fish processing center worth PHP1.5 million, PHP500,000 for fish processing and marketing equipment, and PHP50,000 for hito (catfish) fingerlings.

Agriculture Secretary Tiu Laurel highlighted the strategic significance of the upgraded fish port in General Santos City, underlining its role in bolstering the country's supply chain. He remarked on GenSan's pivotal position not only in Mindanao but also within the national supply chain. The ongoing rehabilitation of the fish port includes enhancements to cold storage and port facilities, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses and increase the income of local fishers.