FISH TRADING HUB. The Provincial Board Council of Batangas envisions a new fish port rising in Bauan town. The new facility, similar to the one seen in this undated photo of a fish port in Mindanao, is expected to bring down the prices of marine goods. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Fisheries Development Authority)
BATANGAS CITY – The Provincial Board Council (PBC) of Batangas is pushing for the construction of a regional fish port to bring down the prices of marine goods while ensuring fresh delivery to consumers in the province.
In an interview on Thursday, Vice Governor Mark Leviste, chair of the PBC, said the envisioned fish port was one of the important issues discussed in the 29th regular session conducted on Monday.
“This will benefit not only the Batangueños but primarily Southern Tagalog and eventually the various people in the country,” Leviste said.
The fish trading hub will be built in Bauan town since it is close to Balayan Bay. “As we know, it is a deep-water port area so we have many industries and docks in the town of Bauan (and adjacent towns of) San Pascual up to Mabini,” he added.
In addition, Leviste said the planned PHP45-billion Nasugbu-Bauan Expressway (NBEX) would speed up the trip to Bauan and to the provincial capital.
In March, San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) infrastructure unit signed a joint venture agreement with the provincial government, paving the way for the construction of the 61-kilometer highway.
Under the agreement signed by SMC president and CEO Ramon Ang, and Governor Hermilando Mandanas, 70 percent of the revenue will go to the local government to help grow the economy and benefit Batangueños.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Board Council also passed a resolution authorizing Mandanas to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) for the construction of housing units for the benefit of employees and qualified beneficiaries.
“This is good news for our provincial government employees, especially those who dream of owning a home. It is subsidized by the provincial government with the support of the national government,” said Leviste. “It is not only a guarantee that housing is provided for every Batangueño family but it is also a cost-effective development subsidized by the government for the government workers.”
Leviste shared the regular session was also attended by the outgoing Department of the Interior and Local Government provincial director Abigail Andres, who is being transferred to Quezon province.
The post to be vacated by Andres will be taken over by Allan Benitez, who has served the province in various functions. (PNA)
