GENERAL SANTOS CITY — July 5, 2025 — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. paid tribute to the hardworking fisherfolk of the SOCSKSARGEN region during a visit to the General Santos Fish Port Complex on Friday, underscoring their vital contribution to food security, national exports, and economic growth.
In a message delivered before key stakeholders of the fishing industry, President Marcos recognized General Santos City’s crucial role in feeding the nation and called on local fisherfolk to continue their commitment to the sector.
“Ipagpatuloy niyo lang ang malaking kontribusyon ng GenSan at ng buong fishery industry sa pagpapakain sa buong Pilipinas — hindi lamang sa ating food supply kundi pati na rin sa pag-export,” the President said. “Malaki ang kontribusyon ng industriyang ito sa ating ekonomiya.”
As part of his visit, the President led the ceremonial distribution of over ₱22.9 million worth of livelihood assistance and fishing equipment to boost the productivity of local fishers. The aid includes Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), solar salt dryers, cooking tools, fishing boats with engines, marine fish cage inputs, hito (catfish) fingerlings, seaweed farming kits with nursery support, and village-type fish processing equipment.
“These are part of our broader commitment to uplift our fisherfolk and modernize the fisheries sector,” Marcos said. “We will do everything to revive the industry. We will build a new fishport and an agricultural port to help reduce agricultural costs.”
The General Santos Fish Port Complex, regarded as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, is home to six of the country’s seven tuna canneries and supports more than 200,000 jobs. Expansion projects are currently underway to increase port capacity, including improvements in cold storage and agricultural product handling.
In addition to his visit to the fishport, the President also toured the facilities of Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures Inc. (CPAVI) and General Tuna Corporation (GTC) in Barangay Tambler. These two firms are among the top exporters of tuna and coconut-based products in the country.
The President was joined by key officials from both national and regional levels, including:
- Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr.
- Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno
- MinDA Executive Director Undersecretary Janet Lopoz
- Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.
- BFAR Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusilla Esther Bayate
- BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig
- BFAR Region XII Director Usop Pendaliday Jr.
- PFDA Acting GM Atty. Glen Pangapalan
- PFDA-General Santos Fish Port Complex Port Manager Paris Uldarico Ayon
- DA Region XII Director Roberto Perales
Local leaders, including General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, Representative Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles, and Barangay Tambler officials, were also on hand to welcome the President.
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) expressed full support for the administration’s initiatives to strengthen the fisheries and agriculture sectors, noting that these efforts are aligned with its mandate to promote inclusive regional development and trade across Mindanao.
President Marcos’ visit reinforces his administration’s commitment to sustaining the country’s food supply, supporting rural livelihoods, and modernizing critical industries through strategic infrastructure and livelihood investments.