BFAR starts building P534.7-M fishing cold hub in Marawi

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Thursday said it has begun construction of the P534.7-million Integrated Cold Hub Complex in Marawi City as it aims to boost the livelihood of local fishers in Lake Lanao.

In a news release, BFAR said the fishing cold hub project is expected to be completed by 2029.

The fisheries bureau said it is working with Mindanao State University as a technical partner, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for regional policy alignment, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Marawi Rehabilitation and Development “to ensure alignment with broader recovery goals and local government units of Marawi City and lakeside municipalities for policy and infrastructure support.”

BFAR said procurement for essential equipment, including fish cages and service vehicles, started in February.

The three-year project is meant to create an aquaculture industry for communities around Lake Lanao—a vital water resource that has remained underutilized due to the lack of infrastructure and local know-how on the fisheries business, according to the fisheries bureau.

“Our goal is to support the continued recovery of Marawi City by turning Lake Lanao into a source of strength. This is an investment in the future of the Maranao people. Through this fishing hub, we are anchoring the peace we have built with the weight of economic opportunity and sustainable food security,” said BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig.

BFAR said the government aims to enhance the fisheries value chain in Marawi City and other lakeshore towns by establishing end-to-end support, from harvest and storage facilities to logistics systems and upskilling of local fishers.

The fisheries bureau will deploy fish cages and build solar-powered floating caretaker houses in 10 pilot areas, undertake wharf rehabilitation in 11 sites, and procure a fleet of reefer vans, harvest boats, and speedboats for transport. 

BFAR will also build an ice plant, a fish health laboratory, and a processing plant at the Marawi Port to prevent fish stock spoilage. 

It said the program also includes comprehensive training for fisherfolk cooperatives in aquaculture techniques, business planning, and post-harvest handling.

BFAR said it aims to stimulate the local economy through the project, with the fishing cold hub seen to provide jobs to locals directly engaged in production and logistics and indirectly benefit hundreds more from an enhanced aquaculture industry, including vendors and transport operators. — VBL, GMA Integrated News