Minglanilla fish port now closer to reality

CEBU, Philippines -  The establishment of a fish port in Minglanilla town is now closer to becoming a reality after two committees in the House of Representatives recommended for the approval of a bill for the construction of the fish port. 

The Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources headed by Cebu fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon and the Committee on Appropriations headed by Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab have pushed for the approval of House Bill 2093. 

It was Cebu first district Rep. Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr. who filed the bill which is substituted by House Bill 4876 and set for approval for second reading at the plenary. 

Minglanilla town is considered a major hub of fishing activity in the Province of Cebu. It supplies fish and other marine products not only to its town but to neighboring cities of Naga and Carcar as well as the town of San Fernando. 

With this, Gullas said the construction of a fish port will be very beneficial to the fisherfolk as it will provide a more simplified and organized trading as well as the easy facilitation or handling of fishery products right from its source down to the middlemen. 

“Likewise, the construction of a fish port will generate income and livelihood for the locality as well as taxes for the local government,” Gullas said. 

The bill provides that the fish port shall be under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture through the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority in coordination with the local government unit concerned.

 The PFDA and the LGU concerned shall formulate the rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of the proposed measures once approved. 

It further provides that the DA secretary shall include in the Department’s program the construction of the said fish port, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The LGU shall also set aside funds from any available local revenues in an amount deemed appropriate for its operationalization. (FREEMAN)