Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), through its Operations Services Department – Quality Assurance Division (OSD-QAD), conducted simultaneous orientations of the Check F.R.E.S.H. Campaign on several PFDA Regional Fish Ports (RFP) to ensure adherence of port clients and employees to food safety measures and practices.

The orientation aims to introduce the Check FRESH campaign of the agency to port clients, including market hall brokers/traders, ice retailers, vessel operators, food stall owners, and cold storage lessees. In addition, the orientation also aims to enhance their awareness of the key food safety and environmental standards; equip them with practical knowledge and skills for implementing best practices in food handling, storage, and waste management; and foster a culture of continuous improvement and proactive compliance within the port community.  

On February 21, the OSD-QAD partnered with the Food Safety and Environment Management Unit (FSEMU) of the PFDA – Iloilo Fish Port Complex (PFDA-IFPC) in the conduct of the orientation on the Check F.R.E.S.H. campaign.

Check FRESH orientation at PFDA-Iloilo Fish Port Complex

Meanwhile, on March 13, the OSD-QAD, in coordination with the FSEMU of the PFDA – Bulan Fish Port Complex (PFDA-BFPC), led the soft launching of the Check F.R.E.S.H. Campaign in the port as part of their Orientation on Food Safety, Environmental Management, and Current Good Manufacturing/Handling and Storage Practices.

Check FRESH orientation at PFDA-Bulan Fish Port

Moreover, on April 3, the OSD-QAD visited the PFDA – Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC) and collaborated with the port's FSEMU to facilitate an introductory orientation of the Check F.R.E.S.H. campaign, which was actively participated by fish brokers/traders, food stall operators, cold storage clients, janitorial staff, and port employees.

Check FRESH orientation at PFDA-Zamboanga Fish Port Complex

The Check F.R.E.S.H. campaign aims to promote food safety and sanitation measures in RFPs based on the insights and preferences of port clients and stakeholders. Through this campaign, the PFDA aims to persuade fish port clients that achieving safer fish ports is possible through cooperation and positive reinforcement.

The Check F.R.E.S.H. Campaign wants to ensure that port clients observe and adhere to:

F - Fishery Products Quality

R - Required Safety Attire

E - Employee Engagement

S - Stray Animals Control

H - Hygiene and Sanitation Monitoring

This project is designed and organized based on the results of the capstone project entitled “Utilizing Behavioral Insights as Motivation Strategy for Food Safety and Sanitation Compliance in Philippine Fisheries Development Authority” authored by OSD Officer-in-Charge Mr. Mc Christian Julius A. Macaranas II.

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division with report and photos from OSD-QAD, PFDA-BFPC, PFDA-ZFPC)