In San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, the ambitious upgrade of the local feeder port is now in full swing, following a groundbreaking ceremony led by Mayor Justin Encarnacion on September 30, 2024. The project, valued at PHP290.7 million, has seen significant progress since the start of 2025, with essential construction equipment now on site, according to Darcy Bungay, the Municipal Economic Enterprise and Development Officer.
Bungay reported that the project, initially delayed, is expected to be completed within 484 days, with operations set to commence by 2026. The upgraded port will feature expanded berthing areas capable of accommodating commercial fishing vessels, a significant improvement over the current limitations that only allow smaller fishing boats.
The enhancements will also include a trading hall and a cold storage facility, enabling fishermen to store their catch longer and sell it at better prices. These facilities are funded by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), with a 10 percent contribution from the local government.
The completion of the fish port is anticipated to significantly enhance the livelihoods of local fishermen and create new job opportunities in the area, marking a pivotal development for the region’s fishing industry.