The Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 Full Council has approved the conduct of a feasibility study for the establishment of a modern regional fish port in Cordova, Cebu, during its second-quarter meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Proposal Presented by Economic Development Committee
The proposal was presented by RDC Economic Development Committee (EDC) Chairperson Melanie Ng to address the lack of infrastructure in the region's fisheries sector, including insufficient cold storage, sanitation issues at fish landing sites, and the absence of a clear trading system.
The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) has identified Cordova, Cebu as a potential location for this regional logistics and trading hub. Under the project details, the site still requires a technical assessment for reclamation requirements and direct coordination with the Philippine Reclamation Authority before development proceeds.
Project Goals and Broader Impact
The overall objective of the project is to reduce post-harvest fish spoilage, improve food safety, and lower fish prices in the market. During the discussion, Governor Pamela Baricuatro inquired about the possibility of securing additional funding to include the improvement of the existing fish landing site in Naga City in the study.
Officials from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7 and the private sector noted that many existing community fish landing centers across Cebu and Bohol are underutilized or unsuccessful due to a lack of proper planning.
Hub-and-Spoke Framework Adopted
In response, the council agreed to adopt a "hub-and-spoke" logistical framework. Under this approach, the feasibility study will be expanded to assess which of the existing community fish landing centers can serve as spokes connected to the main hub in Cordova.
The approved resolution directs BFAR 7, PFDA, the local government of Cordova, and the Philippine Reclamation Authority to handle preparations and site evaluations for the project.
