Manila, Jan. 13 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said the proposed construction of a deepwater port in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, is expected to stimulate the local economy and significantly reduce food costs in the province.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the proposed PHP2-billion Abra de Ilog Deep Water Port project is expected to accommodate large vessels for a more efficient movement of agricultural commodities between Mindoro, Luzon, and export markets.

"The Abra de Ilog port is a targeted intervention to cut input and food costs by fixing logistics bottlenecks and building a more efficient gateway for agricultural trade," he said.

The DA chief explained that bulk shippin...