Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) conducted an orientation on isDA ON THE GO (iOTG), the agency’s banner Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, with the members of the local government unit in Sogod, Southern Leyte and some cooperatives on January 31, 2022.

Aside from bolstering their knowledge about the agency's mandates, the orientation aims to strengthen the iOTG partnership between the PFDA and Sogod-LGU.

A Memorandum of Agreement was signed to formally transfer the units and have them distributed to different strategic areas and barangays. The Sogod-LGU has received 10 brand-new and state-of-the-art inverter chest freezers and one reefer van through the iOTG initiative. 

Regional & Municipal Project Operations Division Chief Ms. Janet T. Manalo led the orientation. During the presentation, Ms. Manalo discussed the program objectives and operation of iOTG. She also explained the project's business model, product lines (frozen fish and fresh fish), and distribution channels.

Furthermore, Ms. Manalo proudly presented the accomplishments and ways forward of the iOTG program.

"The PFDA aims to cascade the iOTG project across all parts of the country para mas malawak na ang mararating at matutulungan ng proyekto. Ang iOTG Program ang sagot ng PFDA upang masolusyonan ang tumataas na presyo at limitadong suplay ng isda sa merkado bunsod ng closed fishing season at COVID-19 pandemic," Ms. Manalo said.

Later in the orientation, Ms. Manalo discussed the roles and responsibilities of PFDA iOTG and its partners, as well as the requirements and criteria before the collaboration with Sogod-LGU starts.

Sogod Mayor Hon. Imelda U. Tan expressed her appreciation to PFDA for providing the people of Sogod with quality and affordable fishery products through the iOTG project. 

“Talagang napasaya ninyo sila [mga taga-Sogod] sa mga naibigay natin [na isda]. We are looking forward to a continuous relationship and partnership with PFDA para ma-fulfill natin ang aim and goal natin na makapagbigay ng available supply ng isda at very affordable prices. Excited ang mga tao sa isDA ON THE GO kaya sana ay magtuloy-tuloy at maging successful ang project na ito,” Mayor Tan said. 

According to former three-termer Sogod Mayor Mr. Sheffered Lino S. Tan, frozen fish is safe for consumption. He said that he wants to change the mindset of people that frozen fish, like the ones sold under the iOTG program, retains the quality of freshly caught fish while extending the lifespan of the product.

"We are so lucky and thankful to the PFDA and PFDA General Manager Atty. Glen A. Pangapalan for solving problems in the scarcity of fish in Sogod by providing inverter freezers and a freezer van through the iOTG program and by distributing relief goods like boxes of frozen fish, construction materials, and food packs to Typhoon Odette-affected families in our municipality," Mr. Tan expressed.

On January 26, the PFDA, through the PFDA - Davao Fish Port Complex (PFDA-DFPC), delivered three tons of frozen fish and three tons of construction materials in Sogod as part of the agency's relief efforts for the Typhoon Odette affected communities in Visayas and Mindanao. In addition, the PFDA Central Office and Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA-NFPC) also distributed 100 boxes of frozen fish and 500 relief boxes to typhoon-it families in several barangays in Sogod. Related story: PFDA distributes P10M-worth of assistance to Odette victims in Visayas, Mindanao

When the partnership kicks off, Sogod-LGU will serve as the iOTG depot where cooperatives can avail fishery products and sell them to their respective constituents.

Representatives from Sogod-LGU and some local cooperatives, staff from PFDA-DFPC, PFDA – Bulan Fish Port Complex (PFDA-BFPC) Officer-in-Charge Ms. Jacqueline B. Pauig, Ms. Erikah Hesarza of the Operations Services Department actively participated in the orientation.

(Mark Angelo N. Perez - Public Information Division with photos from Paul Vincent R. del Rosario and Miguel M. Pilarta - Public Information Division)