The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced the construction of a P96.7 million ice plant at the Bulan Fish Port Complex in Sorsogon, designed to lift production and incomes across the Bicol Region’s fisheries sector. Unveiled in a statement on Monday, the facility can produce 60 metric tons of ice daily and store up to 120 metric tons, aimed at keeping catch fresh, cutting post-harvest waste, and strengthening the entire fisheries value chain.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that food security depends not just on catching more fish, but preserving every kilogram properly so it reaches families in good condition. He added the project will directly help fisherfolk earn more while supporting reliable delivery of seafood to markets. Strategically located along key fishing routes linking Bicol, Eastern Visayas and nearby island provinces, the port serves both small-scale and commercial vessels, as well as communities in Northern Samar, Masbate and Leyte. In 2025 alone, it recorded 1,236 users and total fish landings of nearly 23,781 metric tons, averaging 65.15 metric tons daily, rising to 81.87 metric tons during peak fishing months from March to June.
The plant will produce around 1,200 fifty-kilogram blocks every 24 hours, enough to meet surging demand especially during the tamban or sardine season. Ice will be sold at P130 per block, available in solid or crushed form, using treated water to ensure safety and quality—each kilogram of ice keeps an equal amount of fish fresh for up to seven days. Philippine Fisheries Development Authority acting general manager Glen Pangapalan stressed the facility is an investment in livelihoods, preventing spoilage and securing safer seafood for consumers.
This ice plant forms part of the first phase of the port’s wider expansion, which will also add a new trading hall, ice stalls and a Materials Recovery Facility. The upgrades will expand space for trading, handling and packing, raise sanitation standards, and help the complex keep up with growing landings and rising demand from fisherfolk, traders and other stakeholders.
