Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. announced plans to expand the Port of Pantao into an agricultural logistics hub to help increase incomes of local farmers and fishers.
The Department of Agriculture has set aside about P500 million for the port’s expansion and post-harvest facilities under the 2026 national budget. Additional funding is also planned for 2027 to build a farm-to-market road that will improve access to the port.
Tiu Laurel said he will coordinate with Vince Dizon and the Department of Public Works and Highways to speed up repairs on the road connecting the port to the Maharlika Highway.
The DA will also work with the Department of Transportation and the Albay provincial government to prepare for increased cargo and passenger traffic once the project is completed.
The plan includes building cold storage and ice plants to help preserve fish and farm produce, allowing producers to reach more markets.
Officials aim to complete the port expansion and road upgrades by early 2028.
The Port of Pantao, located on Albay’s western coast, connects the Bicol Region to nearby islands like Masbate and serves as an alternative route to major ports in Southern Luzon. It reopened in August 2024 after being closed for nearly 20 years due to damage from Typhoon Milenyo.
Local officials said improving access and adding cold-chain facilities could turn the port into a key regional hub while easing congestion in other Bicol ports.
