After a series of orientation and consultations, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) and Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) have launched their isDA ON THE GO partnership project and delivered five inverter chest freezers to five cooperative beneficiaries in Southern Leyte, held in Southern Leyte State University, Sogod, Southern Leyte on June 29, 2022.
This partnership aims to help micro and small cooperatives enhance their capability and attain economic sustainability and food security by providing accessible and affordable fish and fishery products across the country through the iOTG project.
In addition, under the initiative of outgoing PFDA General Manager Atty. Glen A. Pangapalan, this is part of the agency's goal to expand the reach of the iOTG program nationwide. The PFDA guarantees that the prices of fish sold through the iOTG program are cheaper than the prevailing market price.
Moreover, the PFDA-CDA partnership will give opportunities for eligible cooperatives to market and distribute quality fish products to their communities at very affordable prices.
The beneficiaries are San Francisco Multipurpose Cooperative (SFMPC), Tigbao Primary MPC, Liloan Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, Maac MPC, and Sogod People's Welfare Producers Cooperative.
In January 2022, the Local Government of Sogod initially received 10 iOTG chest freezers as part of the PFDA’s relief operations to Typhoon Odette-stricken communities.
Regional Municipal Port Operations Division (RMPOD) Chief Ms. Janet T. Manalo, PFDA – Bulan Fish Port Complex (PFDA-BFPC) OIC-Port Manager Ms. Jacqueline B. Pauig, and Mr. Antonino Carlos O. Del Prado of PFDA isDA ON THE GO Business Office (IBO) have presented the agency profile and conducted an iOTG orientation to coop-beneficiaries that attended the launching.
Meanwhile, the CDA was represented by CDA Board Member and Head of Agriculture Cooperatives Cluster Dr. Virgilio R. Lazaga, Deputy Administrator Ray R. Elevazo, CPDAD Chief Ms. Melissa C. Santos, and other members of the CDA Region VIII Extension Office.
Sogod-LGU representatives were also present during the launching of the program.
This activity completes the first cycle of the partnership between PFDA iOTG project and CDA.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division with reports and photos from Ms. Janet T. Manalo, Mr. Antonino Carlos O. Del Prado of PFDA-OSD, and CDA Region VIII Extension Office)