Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) and Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) distributed chest freezers to cooperative beneficiaries in Region XI as part of the Mindanao launching of the PFDA-CDA isDA ON THE GO (iOTG) partnership project, held in PFDA – Davao Fish Port Complex (PFDA-DFPC) on June 22, 2022.
To further expand the iOTG project’s operation nationwide, the PFDA, in collaboration with CDA, handed over 20 brand-new chest freezers to 20 identified coop-beneficiaries from the different cities and provinces of Region XI. This partnership aims to widen the reach of high-quality fresh-frozen fishery products to consumers at very affordable prices while giving an additional source of income to micro and small cooperatives all over the country.
After the ceremonial turnover of chest freezers, representatives of each cooperative signed a contract agreement with PFDA to formally commence the iOTG collaboration project. This signing was witnessed by CDA Chairman Undersecretary Mr. Joseph B. Encabo and representatives from LYRS Davao Corporation and DFPC Employee Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
Before the distribution of the freezers, Ms. Janet T. Manalo, Chief of PFDA Regional & Municipal Project Operations Division Chief conducted an orientation about the PFDA-CDA iOTG partnership on June 21. She explained the project's business model, product lines (frozen-fish and fresh fish), and distribution channels.
In addition, Ms. Manalo also presented the accomplishments and ways forward of the iOTG program and the roles and responsibilities of PFDA and the CDA cooperatives when the partnership occurs.
PFDA-DFPC Port Manager Engr. Albert P. Aguinaldo and other PFDA-DFPC and PFDA Central Office personnel attended the activity. CDA Chairman Undersecretary Mr. Joseph B. Encabo and other CDA Board of Directors were also present during the launching.
Representatives from the Local Government Unit of Davao City also graced the event.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division with photos from CDA Philippines Facebook Page)