Mati City is set to open its fish port during the Sambuokan Festival slated from October 21 to 31, 2023.
The construction of the five-hectare Mati City Fish Port complex started in June 2021 with an initial P75-million budget from the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority.
The fish port is expected to enhance the capability of the local government of Mati to preserve, protect, and develop the full potential of Pujada Bay to greater management and balanced utilization in the long term.
In a statement issued in February this year, Mayor Michelle N. Rabat said that the city is projecting an annual fish catch of over 10,200 metric tons and more than 1,600 vessels are expected to utilize the port.
“Since ang Mati karon is gearing towards food security kay we have that experience sa pandemic na kung dili secure ang atong food medyo behind ta. As of right now we have the dressing plant and we are set to open ang amoang fish port,” said Dashiel E. Indelible Jr., tourism officer of Mati City during P.E.P. Talks media forum at SM Lanang Premier on Tuesday.
Derived from the Mandaya term “buok” meaning “one”, Sambuokan is a yearly celebration for oneness and unity among the general population of Mati.
Activities lined up for the celebration include Indak-indak sayaw sa Sambuokan, sports festival, search for the king of the sea, and IP day.
“Ang Mati right now kay naga level up na and we are trying our best to be maaapil na sa map sa Region 11 at the same time sa Philippines. Since Mati City is listed with beautiful bays, naa didto ang Unesco World Heritage Site. We stand by it,” Indelible said.
He also said that tourist arrivals in Mati City are also increasing.
“May significant lang during the pandemic. But when we started the face-to-face celebration in 2022, sabi nga nila tourism revenge, tumaas nga ang aming tourist arrivals. Hopefully, ma-sustain namin yan,” he said.
