Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Regional Fish Ports (RFP) participated in various activities dedicated to the celebration of the 2024 National Women’s Month with the theme, “WE for gender equality and inclusive society” and sub-theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, patutunayan!” this month of March 2023.
Spearheaded by the PFDA – Gender and Development Focal Point System (PFDA-GFPS) Regional Technical Working Group members (TWG), the PFDA ports joined in the simultaneous kickoff of the NWMC 2024. Aside from the kickoff, the PFDA RFPs also partnered with various agencies in celebrating Women’s Month.
The PFDA – Lucena Fish Port Complex (PFDA-LFPC) posted the “Kwentong PFDA” Exhibit celebrating various female clients of the PFDA prepared by the PFDA-GFPS and the PFDA Public Information Division. The Lucena port also continuously played a music video highlighting the lives and heroism of Filipino women.
Subsequently, the PFDA – Davao Fish Port Complex (PFDA-DFPC), led by Port Manager (PM) Albert P. Aguinaldo also displayed the “Kwentong PFDA” Exhibit. In addition, the PFDA-DFPC joined various agencies in the NWMC 2024 Opening Ceremony organized by the Department of Agriculture Region XI – Gender and Development Focal System on March 8.
Meanwhile, the PFDA – Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC), headed by PM Ignacio M. Yao, joined the Marcha de las Mujeres: A Purple Walk for a Cause that was organized by the City Government of Zamboanga on March 8. This event, in conjunction with International Women’s Day, symbolizes the unity and support of various institutions and government entities in the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and honor the achievements of women all around the globe.
Furthermore, the PFDA – Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA-NFPC), led by PM Luz P. Ortiz, and the PFDA – Sual Fish Port (PFDA-SFP), led by PM Nasil A. Abdul, collaborated in celebrating the NWMC 2024. The PFDA-NFPC GFPS conducted a Networking and Exposure Trip in PFDA-SFP on March 15 to 16. Some employees of the PFDA-NFPC and PFDA-SFP and members of the Eco-Friendly Women of Navotas joined in the tree planting activity within the port vicinity. Afterward, they took livelihood training on bangus fish processing and bangus deboning.
Moreover, female employees of the PFDA – Camaligan Fish Port (PFDA-CFP) participated in the DA Bicol Inter-Agency Women-Employee’s Day Celebration 2024 on March 22. Various topics, including the “Bawal Bastos” Law and RA No. 11313: Safe Spaces Act, were discussed during the program. The participants also enjoyed recreational activities like the Bachata Dance, haircut, manicure and pedicure, and reflexology, offered by DA RFO 5.
In addition, the PFDA – General Santos Fish Port Complex (PFDA-GSFPC), the PFDA – Iloilo Fish Port Complex (PFDA-IFPC), and the PFDA – Bulan Fish Port Complex (PFDA-BFPC) also showed their support to the Women’s Month celebration by conducting various GAD activities in their respective ports.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division with report and photos from PFDA Regional Fish Ports)