Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) conducted an orientation about the agency’s isDA ON THE GO (iOTG) partnership project with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) to prospective cooperative beneficiaries across Metro Manila, held on October 13, 2021, via teleconference.
Led by the PFDA – Operations Services Department (OSD), representatives from five CDA-identified cooperatives attended the orientation where the main objectives of the iOTG project were given light. They also discussed iOTG as one of the sources of fishery products during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Acting Assistant General Manager Ms. Iris R. de Vera welcomed all the participants for today’s activity. “This partnership with CDA and its member cooperatives is just the beginning of the expansion of iOTG to deliver affordable and high-quality fishery products to more marginalized areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces,” de Vera said.
Subsequently, Ms. Camille An Moog of OSD delivered an in-depth presentation about the iOTG operation, including the project’s business model, product lines, distribution channels, partner outlets, and accomplishments. In addition, Moog presented the agency’s ways forward for the iOTG expansion project, which includes the delivery of inverter chest freezers to 60 cooperatives of the marginalized sector under the CDA.
To take advantage of this partnership project between PFDA and CDA, cooperatives must adhere to several requirements and must achieve certain criteria. The CDA-certified cooperatives must: (1) sign a contract agreement with PFDA; (2) have at least 6 square meters of space; (3) can oversee and process point of sale purchase; (4) have the capacity for bookkeeping and asset inventory management; (5) have a minimum of three years in operation; (6) have a CDA Certificate of Good Standing; and (7) preferably with members from the marginalized sector.
Moog also presented the roles and responsibilities of PFDA and the CDA cooperatives once the partnership occurs.
Regional & Municipal Project Operations Division Chief Ms. Janet T. Manalo facilitated the open forum where she responded to questions, comments, and feedback from members of CDA and representatives of the participating cooperatives. Some concerns about requirements and the delivery process of fishery products were also given further clarification.
During the discussion, Manalo assured the cooperatives that the fishery products sold under iOTG are from PFDA-accredited suppliers and of high quality.
Representatives of Barangay Marcelo Green Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in Parañaque City, Homenet Producers Cooperative in Quezon City, Limardina MPC in Valenzuela City, Samahan ng Manininda sa Pamilihang Bayan ng Maypajo Caloocan (CC), and Nuesta Señora del Rosario CC in Malabon City actively participated in today’s activity. Staff and personnel from CDA led by Assistant Secretary Virgilio R. Lazaga were also present in the discussion.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division)