Philippine Fisheries Development Authority - Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC) attended the first Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Management Committee (RMC) Meeting for Calendar Year (CY) 2025 on March 13, 2025 at the Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City.

Attended by representatives from 17 DA-affiliated agencies, covering Zamboanga, Pagadian, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Pasig, Cagayan de Oro, Nueva Ecija, and Cotabato, the meeting aimed to address the challenges facing Mindanao’s agricultural sector, particularly the poverty of farmers. 

They discussed solutions, showcased achievements, and promoted collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and local stakeholders to ensure sustainable development, food security, and long-term growth. The event also served as a platform for agencies to showcase their achievements, introduce new programs, update on agency budget status, and report on progress.

PFDA-ZFPC Acting Planning Officer, Ms. Aryan Nirvana P. Marcelino, provided an overview of the fish port, discussing its current status, ongoing initiatives, and the challenges faced in several areas, including infrastructure and facility development, fisheries production and trade, market operations, food security, and sustainability. Ms. Marcelino underscored the importance of collaboration between the government, the private sector, and local fisherfolk in ensuring long-term growth and achieving food security for the country.

The event was led by DA Regional Field Office IX (RFO IX) Regional Executive Director, Engr. Marcos C. Aves, Sr., who emphasized the urgent need for support for the agricultural sector in Mindanao, which is currently grappling with significant challenges.

(Robert Gregory Q. Elardo - Public Information Division with report and photos from Aliya Amor S. Lorenzo - PFDA-ZFPC)