PFDA-NFPC supports women frontline workers amid COVID-19

In a bid to empower women working as economic frontline workers, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority – Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA-NFPC) participated in a Gender and Development (GAD) stakeholders’ consultation on strengthening economic support to rural women during the COVID-19 pandemic spearheaded by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) via teleconference on June 18, 2021. 

As part of the GAD agenda, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) presented their ongoing lending programs and livelihood interventions for economic frontline workers during the pandemic. 

In addition, several challenges encountered by women working in the fishing industry during the COVID-19 pandemic were discussed in the forum, while some recommendations were put forward to combat these constraints. 

Moreover, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), together with other key implementing agencies in coordination with local government units (LGU), presented how they are continuously working to help improve the condition of women fisherfolks through the implementation of various projects and activities in support of the government's National Fisheries Development Program.

Ms. Cerespink Aguila of PFDA-NFPC Technical Working Group for GAD and Ms. Araceli Andaya-Representative of NFPC Eco Friendly Women took part in the online discussion. Various women’s fisherfolk associations also attended the meeting.   

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division with reports and photos from Kristine Joy S. Tuazon – PFDA - NFPC)