P96.7-M ice plant rises in Sorsogon to cut post-harvest fish losses

The Department of Agriculture's Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) is building a P96.7-million ice plant in Bulan, Sorsogon, to keep fish catches fresh, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost fish production in the Bicol Region.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and PFDA Acting General Manager Glen Pangapalan inspected the 60-metric-ton ice plant and storage facility at the PFDA-Bulan Fish Port on Monday.

"Food security is not only about catching more fish. It is about making sure every kilogram that reaches our ports is preserved, marketed efficiently and delivered to Filipino families in the best condition," Tiu Laurel said in a statement.

"Investments like the Bulan ice plant help reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen the fisheries value chain and improve the incomes of our fisherfolk," he added.

The ice plant is expected to produce around 1,200 blocks of ice, weighing 50 kilograms each, every 24 hours, the PFDA said. It can also store up to 120 metric tons, or 2,400 ice blocks, helping preserve large volumes of fish for longer periods.

The PFDA said the ice is produced using water from treated deep wells and the local water system.

Ice will be sold at P130 per 50-kilogram block and will be available either in whole blocks or crushed form, the agency said.

"This ice plant is more than a post-harvest facility; it is an investment in people," Pangapalan said.

He said the facility would benefit the fisheries sector by helping preserve fish quality, reduce losses, and ensure consumers have access to safer and fresher seafood.

"A reliable supply of ice allows fisherfolk to preserve the quality of their catch, traders and processors to reduce losses, and consumers to enjoy safer and fresher seafood," he said.

"Every block of ice produced here represents fish saved from spoilage, livelihoods protected, and food secured for Filipino families," Pangapalan added —MCG, GMA News