Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore

The Philippine Embassy in Singapore visited Jurong Fishery Port on 12 September 2026 as part of the 2026 Maritime Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) observance. Held under the theme “Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-sama nating Alagaan”, the visit provided Embassy personnel with an opportunity to learn about seafood operations, sustainable practices and the role of marine resources in food supply, livelihoods and trade.

Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore

Established in 1969, Jurong Fishery Port has served as an important hub for Singapore’s seafood industry. It was built to modernise fish landing and distribution and replaced earlier markets at Ellenborough Street and Beach Road. The port centralised fish auctions and distribution, supporting Singapore’s food supply system. Between 70 and 80 per cent of Singapore’s commercial fish supply is landed at the port, connecting regional suppliers with local markets.

Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore

During the visit, Embassy personnel received a tour of the port’s facilities and operations conducted by Mr. Kenny Lek, co-founder of Pasarfish. The programme covered sustainable seafood practices, the diversity of fish species, seafood heritage and the livelihoods associated with the industry.

Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore

Mr. Lek also encouraged participants to consider alternatives to popular food fish. He noted that a more diversified seafood palate could help reduce pressure on individual fish species, highlighting the role of consumer choices in supporting sustainability within the seafood supply chain.

Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore

The MANAMo activity also highlighted the maritime links between the Philippines and Singapore, including their shared reliance on the sea for food, livelihoods, trade and connectivity. It also reflected their respective links to regional seafood supply chains in Southeast Asia.

Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore

The programme concluded with a Filipino-style seafood salu-salo at the Ambassador’s Residence, featuring seafood purchased during the port visit. Served as a communal boodle fight, the meal reflected Filipino traditions of sharing food and community while incorporating a “sea-to-table” sustainability element.

Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore

Through the activity, the Philippine Embassy highlighted the message of MANAMo 2026 that the benefits derived from the seas, including food, livelihoods, trade, connectivity and culture, are accompanied by a responsibility to maintain healthy and productive marine resources for future generations.

Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore