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Brix Lelis - The Philippine Star
March 18, 2026 | 12:00am
Albay Governor Noel Rosal (center in red) joins Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. (front 2nd from left) in his visit to Pantao Port in Libon, Albay on March 11, 2026
Department of Agriculture-Bicol Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — The government has set aside P500 million to transform the Pantao port into an agricultural logistics hub, a move expected to improve economic activities in Albay.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the funding, already included in the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s budget for this year, would also support the development of post-harvest facilities.
Additional funds are expected next year to bankroll the construction of a farm-to-market road to improve access to the port, he noted.
“We need a whole-of-government effort to unlock Pantao’s potential. Better road access and post-harvest facilities such as ice plants and cold storage will allow fishers to bring their catch to more markets and earn more,” Tiu Laurel said.
The DA intends to work closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways to accelerate repairs to the existing road connecting the Pantao port to the Maharlika Highway.
It also plans to coordinate with the Department of Transportation and the Albay provincial government to manage the anticipated rise in cargo and passenger traffic once the port’s facilities are expanded.
Tiu Laurel is optimistic that the government will complete the port expansion and road improvements before the end of President Marcos’ term in 2028.
“This will really be a major advantage for (Libon, Albay) once we complete the port expansion, improve the road network and install the ice plant and other facilities,” he said.
Located along Albay’s western coastline, the Pantao port serves as a maritime gateway linking the Bicol region to nearby islands such as Masbate, as well as to the provinces in Visayas and Mindanao.
Although smaller than the ports of Legazpi and Tabaco, the Pantao port offers an alternative route for cargo and passenger traffic bound for southern Luzon and Metro Manila.
