Philippines orders comprehensive assessment of General Santos Fish Port after 7.8 quake

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao on June 8, 2026, damaging sections of the General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC). The Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered a full structural and geotechnical assessment, expanding the initial inspection that had temporarily closed Market Halls 1‑3 and limited use of Hall 4.

Secretary Laurel said, “Although the wharf generally appeared structurally sound, we should expedite further inspection of subsurface conditions. We cannot risk the lives of our people who rely on this fish port for their livelihood.” PFDA acting General Manager Glen Pangapalan reported preliminary findings that the port remains “structurally sound” and noted that no casualties or injuries were recorded among employees, traders, or other stakeholders. Operations have largely continued through contingency measures, preserving the supply chain of the country’s tuna industry and export markets.