The Province of Guimaras offers an opportunity for investment in an ice plant and a cold storage facility to boost its fisheries and marine economy, in support of its vision to become the agri-eco-tourism capital of Western Visayas.

The Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry, and Fisheries sector is a major economic driver of Guimaras at 34.1 percent in 2022 and a top contributor to growth at 2.1 percent, with overall fish production of 7,844.54 metric tons.

Fisheries and marine products are critical food commodities, and an ice plant that can produce more than 100 blocks per day and a cold storage facility is a viable investment considering its growing domestic market and tourism sector, which produced 645,866 visitors and delivered total tourism receipts of 571,765,689.00 in 2022.

The investment will help maximize marine catch, reduce post-harvest losses, and maintain high-standard quality products, benefiting fisherfolk associations in the province in general and the Sibunag Fish Producers Association (SIFPA) in particular, which has more than 80 active members and operates more than 170 fish cages and fish pens in the area.