In more than two decades in the fisheries sector, the Authority has made headways in attaining its objectives and fulfilling its mandate. Through three core programs, namely: (1) the Regional Fish Ports Program; (2) the Municipal Fish Ports Program; and (3) the Ice Plants and Cold Storages Program, PFDA continuously responds to the need of the sector for post-harvest facilities and services.

Regional Fish Ports Program (Map)

The Regional Fish Ports Program involves the provision and operation of fish port complexes in strategic fish landing centers nationwide. These fish ports are equipped with facilities such as breakwater, landing quay, market halls, refrigeration and processing facilities, slipway, and related facilities. In particular, the program addresses the needs of the commercial fishing boat operators, municipal fishermen, and fish processors/exporters, among others.

A total of eight (8) fish port complexes in Navotas, Sual, Lucena, Camaligan, Iloilo, Davao, Zamboanga, and General Santos are being managed by the Agency under this program.

The Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC), formerly known as Navotas Fishing Port and Fish Market (NFPFM) is the first fish port complex managed by the PFDA. Its construction, started in August 1973, was under the direction of the Bureau of Public Works. On August 11, 1976 by virtue of PD. No. 977, the NFPFM was transferred to and placed under the exclusive jurisdiction, control, administration and supervision of PFDA. Harbor operations at the port officially commenced on January 15, 1977, while market operations started on April 3, 1977.

Before the construction of the NFPC, fishing boats had to anchor some one to two and a half kilometers from the shore and wait for three days before the amphibian trucks could take the fish tubs from the boats and bring them to the fish market. With the opening of NFPC, fish tubs can directly be unloaded at the quayside along the market hall.

After the NFPC, the PFDA operationalized other fish port complexes included in the Nationwide Fishing Ports Project-Packages I and II, to wit:

1985 - The Iloilo Fish Port Complex (IFPC) began its operations. Primarily, the IFPC catered to the requirements of those engaged in the then booming prawn industry in Western Visayas. With the slump in the industry, the port now services the needs of those engaged in processing other fishery/aquatic products for the export market. This is aside from providing the post-harvest facilities to traditional fishermen and fishing boat operators.

1989 - Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (ZFPC) was opened to PFDA clients in Region IX, particularly to those engaged in processing fishery/aquatic products for the export market.

1991 - Operationalization of the Camaligan Fish Port Complex (CFPC) was started. Basically, it provides services to traditional fishermen, fishing boat operators and processors of fishery/aquatic products intended for markets abroad.

1992 - PFDA began the operations of two complexes, the Lucena Fish Port Comples LFPC and the Sual Fish Port Complex (LFPC). These ports continuously provide post-harvest support services to those in the fishing industry in Regions I and IV. The PFDA, to uphold the thrust of the government to promote economic development, also opened these ports to serve other industries as well and support commerce and trade in their respective areas of influence.

1995 - Davao Fish Port Complex (DFPC) opened its facilities to service the fishing industry in Region XI. The first complex to operate under the Nationwide Fishing Ports Project-Package II, the DFPC ushered in a new phase in PFDA's existence. The port is now utilized as an alternative transshipment point in Asia, the others being Thailand, Palau and Huan, Indonesia. Foreign vessels use the port's facilities in unloading, processing and packaging their fish cargoes which are eventually exported to markets abroad.

1998 - Operationalization of the General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC) commenced this year. It basically serves the booming tuna trade industry in the area. As partners in the development of the fishing industry, the private sector was invited to put up their own facilities at the port. As of December 2004, there were 23 companies engaged in processing/export of tuna and other products that were being serviced by GSFPC. Also 39 companies with fishery-related business had leased areas/space at the port for their business operations.

Municipal Fish Ports Program

The Municipal Fish Port Programs caters to the post-harvest requirement of sustenance fishermen. It entails the provision of smaller fish landings and market facilities in selected fishing communities nationwide. Some of these municipal fish ports act as satellite ports for the regional fish ports. The PFDA provides the needed training on port operations and maintenance for the eventual turnover of the ports' management to the Local Government Units (LGUs).

Ice Plants and Cold Storage Program

To help satisfy the ice requirements of the fishing industry, PFDA has embarked on the Ice Plants and Cold Storage Program (IPCS). The various IPCS located in several fishing centers of the country are provided with ice making machines of different magnitudes and cold storage of varying capacities: