Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

House BILLNo.2381

Introduced by Representative Raymond Adrian E. Salceda

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING AN INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES PORT
IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBAY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines imports and exports over 1.1 million metric tons of fishery products
annually, valued at more than P60 billion as of 2023, according to data from the Philippine
Statistics Authority and the Bureau of Customs. Despite this robust trade volume, only two
ports—Navotas in Luzon and General Santos in Mindanao—serve as designated international
ports of entry for commercial fish shipments. The Department of Agriculture (DA), under
Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., has formally disclosed its plan to establish a third such port
in Albay, to serve Southern Luzon, Eastern Visayas, and adjacent maritime areas.

This proposed International Agricultural and Fisheries Port aligns with the DA’s
strategy to regionalize international logistics hubs and improve cold chain infrastructure,
thereby reducing food waste, import delays, and domestic supply instability. Secretary Tiu
Laurel has further clarified that the planned facility in Albay will not only handle fishery cargo
but will also accommodate outbound and inbound trade in high-value agricultural
commodities, many of which are perishable and require internationally compliant inspection,
storage, and handling systems.

The Province of Albay is a strategic site for such a port. It has deep coastal waters,
multiple port candidates (including Legazpi and Tabaco), a well-developed airport in Daraga,
and highway access through the Maharlika and Andaya corridors. Albay also lies at the
convergence of maritime routes between Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas, and sits
across the channel from Masbate and Samar fishing grounds.

‘As of 2022, Region V (Bicol) contributed 4.9 percent of the country’s total fisheries
production—amounting to 192,823 metric tons of fish and aquatic products. Meanwhile,
agriculture remains a dominant sector in Albay, with the province hosting active production


zones for abaca, coconut, pili, and vegetables—commodities that face significant spoilage and
price losses due to lack of modem logistics hubs.

The establishment of a direct international port of entry in Albay would cut travel
time for fresh exports by up to 36 hours, allow for more cost-efficient regulatory
inspections, and unlock broader export opportunities for smallholder producers.

‘This measure mandates the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) to lead
the development of the Albay International Agricultural and Fisheries Port. It enables
coordinated planning with the DA, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Bureau
of Customs (BOC), and other regulatory agencies, including Quarantine and Immigration, to
ensure full international operations.

The project is technically feasible. Albay hosts multiple viable shoreline sites for a
deepwater port; the province already operates ports for general cargo, and initial expressions
of support from the DA and PFDA confirm institutional momentum. The Department of
‘Transportation may also assist in aligning the project with the National Logistics Master Plan
and Maritime Industry Development Program.

Beyond logistics efficiency, the port’s multiplier effects include:

+ Enhanced farmgate prices for coastal and upland producers
+ Reduction in post-harvest losses

+ Creation of cold chain, warehousing, and value-added service jobs
+ Improved food safety compliance for export markets

+ Decongestion of Metro Manila ports and roadways

+ Higher share of value retained within the region

This bill thus secks to establish the Albay International Agricultural and Fisheries Port
through an act of Congress, enabling long-term infrastructure planning, inter-agency
harmonization, and the mobilization of national and external funding sources such as official
development assistance and public-private partnerships.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

RIAN E. SALCEDA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 238 1

Introduced by Representative Raymond Adrian E. Salceda

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING AN INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES PORT
IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBAY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

Beit enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Albay International
Agricultural and Fisheries Port Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is the policy of the State to promote agricultural
modernization and market access by supporting the development of internationally capable
agricultural and fisheries infrastructure. The State shall pursue investments that enable the
efficient import and export of perishable and high-value food commodities, consistent with
global standards in logistics and food safety.

SEC. 3. Establishment of Port. — There is hereby established an International
Agricultural and Fisheries Port in the Barangay Pantao, Municipality of Libon, Province of
Albay to serve as a gateway for the entry and exit of agricultural and fishery products for
domestic and international trade. The specific location shall be determined by the Department
of Agriculture (DA), in coordination with the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority
(PFDA), the Department of Transportation (DOT®), and relevant local government units, based
on technical, geographic, environmental, and economic feasibility.

SEC. 4. Functions. - The Albay International Agricultural and Fisheries Port shall:
(a) Serve as a port of entry for local and foreign vessels carrying agricultural and fisheries

cargo;
(b) Host customs, immigration, and quarantine functions necessary for international trade;


(©) Provide cold storage, ice plants, processing and packaging facilities, and related
infrastructure;

(d) Facilitate compliance with intemational sanitary and phytosanitary standards; and
(c) Act as a logistics node for Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas.

SEC. 5. Implementing Agency. - The PFDA shall be the lead implementing agency. It
shall undertake feasibility studies, master planning, infrastructure development, and
operational management of the port, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and other relevant agencies.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The DA and PFDA are likewise authorized
to access official development assistance (ODA), pursue public-private partnerships (PPP), and
utilize other applicable funding sources.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the PFDA, in coordination with the DA and other relevant agencies, shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional
or invalid, the remainder shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. — Alll laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.