Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday expressed strong support for the proposed P2-billion Abra de Ilog Deep Water Port, saying it could lower food prices by reducing transport costs and easing farm-to-market bottlenecks.
The project, to be implemented by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, aims to handle large vessels and improve the movement of fish and farm products between Mindoro, Luzon and export markets.
Tiu Laurel said bulk shipping through modern ports lowers logistics costs, which are a major driver of food inflation. He added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. plans to develop at least 10 deepwater ports nationwide to form a logistics network that supports food security, trade and job creation.
Abra de Ilog currently serves as a Ro-Ro gateway to Batangas, but limited capacity has restricted growth. The deepwater port is expected to expand that role, complementing recent port upgrades such as dredging and new breakwaters.
Planned facilities include a finger pier, fish market, cold storage, ice plants, warehouses, wastewater treatment, solar power systems and refrigerated vans. These are intended to reduce post-harvest losses and meet export standards.
The port could also help decongest Batangas port and position Abra de Ilog as a regional transshipment hub for fish, meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables.
Construction is expected to take about 24 months once approved. Tiu Laurel said the project treats agriculture as a logistics issue as much as a production one, with direct benefits for farmers, fisherfolk and consumers.
