Occidental Mindoro’s tuna industry will soon rise with its first PRDP-funded infrastructure development (I-BUILD) subproject.
The Province’s subproject proposal entitled “Expansion and Development of Fish Landing” worth P19.98 million recently received the approval of PRDP through its issuance of No Objection Letter (NOL) 1.
The said subproject, which will benefit at least 3,039 fisherfolk, is the first fish landing project in the PRDP South Luzon Cluster. It will be constructed in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, which is the biggest producer of tuna in the province.
Aiming to improve the quality of life of the local fishing community, the facility was designed to enhance the quality and sanitation of fishery products. With improved product standards, the facility is expected to establish a better market price, particularly for tuna fish.
Due to proper sorting and grading, the market value of the tuna fish is projected to increase by at least two percent.
The developed facility will also reduce post-harvest losses by up to two percent and it will generate higher income through service fees and additional business opportunities.
Aside from onion and cassava, tuna fish is also a priority commodity of Occidental Mindoro. There are about 3,500 tuna fishers and 1,500 tuna vessels in the province as of 2014.
“This project is something that our province needs. With this facility, together, we shall make a difference in the development of our nation,” shared Occidental Mindoro Representative Josephine Ramirez-Sato during one of the activities of PRDP.
According to Elmer Velacruz of the Provincial Project Management and Implementation Unit (PPMIU), the subproject will institutionalize proper law enforcement on the entry of fishery products to the province through regulation and proper taxation.
“This initiative is to extend benefits in the fishing community and resolve issues and constraints affecting the fishery industry in Sablayan and Occidental Mindoro,” Velacruz said.
