ACKNOWLEDGING SMALL WINS IN Q3
PFDA faces slight dip in numbers; continues to provide services, projects to all
Due to the continuous dangers brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and hazardous weather conditions, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) experienced a slight dip in its quarterly performance during the third quarter of 2021. Nevertheless, the agency continues to provide all out services to all its customers and industry partners especially during these previous challenging months.
On Fish Unloading and Handling
During the July to September 2021 period, PFDA has unloaded a total of 116,474.43 metric tons (MT) of fish, or an average daily unloading of 1,266.02 MT. On the other hand, PFDA had also processed 397.09 MT of fishery products and produced 9,149.40 MT of ice for its frozen fish supply.
On Serving Port Clients
Over the months, storms and enhanced southwest monsoon rains caused moderate to rough seas over the seaboards of the country. These phenomena have brought dangers to docking vessels in Regional Fish Ports (RFP). According to the report, there had been 19,284 vessels who arrived in RFPs to unload much-needed fish supply. Subsequently, PFDA was able to serve 11,678 clients with quality and adequate fishery and non-fishery products despite a slim decline in the number of vessels that docked in ports.
On PFDA’s CSR
Speaking of celebrating small wins, the PFDA continues to deliver low-cost fresh-frozen fish supply and other fishery products to its consumers within Metro Manila and selected areas in Luzon through the isDA ON THE GO (iOTG) Project.
As of September 30, 2021, the iOTG initiative has sold a total of 126,427.87 kilograms of budget-friendly fishery products and partnered with 117 outlets in Metro Manila and nearby provinces since the beginning of the pandemic last March 2020.
Last February, PFDA signed a memorandum with the local government unit (LGU) of Sorsogon regarding the establishment of iOTG in the province.
Aside from that, the iOTG also sells low-priced fish through the Department of Agriculture’s KADIWA on Wheels program. There is also Market on Wheels in partnership with LGUs and the AFPCES.
On Flagship Projects and Rehabilitation Initiatives
As the year enters its last quarter, the rehabilitation and development of RFPs under PFDA’s Flagship Projects are inching closer towards completion.
As of September 30, construction and renovation of some facilities and establishments in Lucena Fish Port Complex (LFPC), Davao Fish Port Complex (DFPC), and Iloilo Fish Port Complex (IFPC) are midway through the completion at 80.55%, 78.06%, and 49.72%, respectively.
Meanwhile, port innovations and improvement in Camaligan Fish Port (CFP), Sual Fish Port (SFP), and Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (ZFPC) are all for project implementation.
On the other hand, renovation in Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC) is awaiting for award of contract.
On Port Facilities Utilization
For this quarter’s port utilization, PFDA has exhibited outstanding records in comparison from last quarter’s tally.
Piers and quays remain to have the highest utilization rate at 195.15%, followed by the utilization of market halls at 97.97% and commercial/industrial lands at 79.31%.
Not far behind, utilization rate for ice-making plants soared to 79.44%, as well as cold storage facilities at 70.33%. Finally, processing areas had a minor slip at 56.71% utilization rate.
This quarter has been a tough one for the PFDA. There had been challenges brought by the changing quarantine protocols, as well as dangers brought by severe weather conditions. These factors have affected some minor to major port activities, but the PFDA continues to take necessary steps to successfully overcome these difficult situations and celebrate small wins along the way.