ABRA DE ILOG, Occidental Mindoro (January 12, 2026)—Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. is strongly backing the construction of a deepwater port in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, describing it as a structural solution to high food prices and long-standing farm-to-market bottlenecks.
The proposed P2-billion Abra de Ilog Deep Water Port, to be implemented by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), is designed to accommodate large vessels and move fish and agricultural products more efficiently between Mindoro, Luzon, and export markets.
Abra de Ilog already serves as a maritime gateway through its roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) link to Batangas, but limited capacity has constrained its economic potential. The proposed deepwater port aims to unlock that growth, building on recent Philippine Ports Authority upgrades such as port expansion, additional Ro-Ro ramps, breakwaters and dredging works.
Construction is also expected to generate local jobs, while long-term operations could attract logistics providers, processors, fuel suppliers and tourism-related businesses. Fisherfolk and farmers, who are often squeezed by middlemen and spoilage, stand to benefit the most. ### (Photos by DA-AFID)
