Manila, June 22 -- The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) has approved PHP1.6 billion for the upgrading of the Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC) and the construction of a modern fish port in San Vicente, Palawan.

In a news release Monday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who also chairs the PFDA Board, said the NFPC modernization project can turn the port into a future trading hub, not only for fish but for agricultural commodities as well.

"If producers from places like Lubang (Occidental Mindoro) can bring their products directly to Navotas instead of passing through other trading centers, we can shorten the supply chain, reduce logistics costs, and improve returns for producers," he said. "We already hav...