Maintaining Connections. The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) is continuously connecting with various local government units and organizations to promote the development of the fishing industry through the provision of post-harvest infrastructure facilities and essential services.

 The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) is continuously connecting with various local government units and organizations to promote the development of the fishing industry through the provision of post-harvest infrastructure facilities and essential services.

Recently, the PFDA participated in a forum with the city government of Bislig, Surigao del Sur, to discuss the proposed city fish port project and other relevant fishery post-harvest facilities, August 18, 2020.

The PFDA team is led by Atty. Glen A. Pangapalan, General Manager, and Engr. Miguel B. Lamberte, Jr., Assistant General Manager, along with Atty. Jose Ruiz III, OIC Legal Division/Office of the Board Secretary, and Engr. Eduardo Manalo, Chief CMD-TSD.

City Mayor Florencio C. Garay, Vice Mayor Jonas A. Cacayan, and City Councilors Engar Convena, Edmond Estrella, and Geofry Cagakit represented the City Government of Bislig.

Surigao del Sur Board Member Atty. Conrad C. Cejoco also graced the event.

Aside from the city government officials, the forum is also participated by the members of various stakeholders’ groups such as the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC) of Bislig and Mangagoy Fishermen Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAFISCO).

According to the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, CFARMC serves an integral role in ensuring an inclusive development of the fishery sector in specific localities like Bislig City. 

Composed of fisherfolk organizations, cooperatives and non-government organizations in the locality, CFARMC assists the LGU in the preparation of the local Fishery Development Plan, recommends relevant municipal fishery ordinances to the City Council through its Committee on Fisheries, and assists in the enforcement of fishery laws, rules and regulations in municipal waters.

Meanwhile, MAFISCO is an association assisted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) in Bislig City. This is also the biggest SETUP funded project in the 2nd district of Surigao del Sur.

Members of the cooperative include fisherfolks, fishing boat operators, fish traders, market and ambulant vendors. 

The fishing grounds in Bislig Bay is strategically located near the Eastern Seaboard fishing grounds of the Philippine Sea. It is also part of the rich fishing grounds in Surigao del Sur, along with Carrascal Bay, Lanuza Bay, Lianga Bay, Hinatuan Bay, Bislig Bay and in the municipal waters of Cortez. (Public Information Division with reports and photos from the Office of the General Manager and the Office of the Assistant General Manager)