As a government agency that supports women’s empowerment and equal rights, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) attended in the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration Kick-off Event with the sub-theme: "Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas" led by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) on March 5, 2025 at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
Anchored to the 2023-2028 recurring theme “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society”, this year’s celebration aims to foster a society where all women have equal rights, power and opportunities, and seeks to empower women from various sectors, particularly those in marginalized communities, by providing access to essential services, opportunities for learning, and an inclusive space for engagement.
Free medical check-ups, legal consultations, and livelihood support; a trade fair showcasing products from women-owned and women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are offered by various government agencies and non-government organizations during the event, including: Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care Inc, among others.
Among the highlights of the program are the presentation of the State of Filipino Women Report, which provides insights into the country’s progress in achieving gender equality, and the unveiling of the PCW’s 50th Anniversary Coffee Table Book, commemorating five decades of advocacy for women's rights.
Moreover, a comprehensive lecture series was conducted, covering Financial Literacy, Digital Safety, Digital Careers, Fire Safety, Disaster Resilience, Mental and Physical Health, and Microfinancing, equipping women with knowledge and skills that are essential to their empowerment and resilience in various aspects of life.
(Robert Gregory Q. Elardo - Public Information Division)
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), along with all the PFDA Regional Fish Ports (RFP), joined in the collective pursuit of gender equality and conducted a kickoff program in celebration of the 2025 National Women’s Month, with the 2023-2028 recurring theme, “WE for gender equality and inclusive society.” on March 3, 2025.
This year, the PFDA highlights the sub-theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.” As one of the leading government agencies supporting the fishery sector, the PFDA joins the call in reinforcing the core objective of Republic Act (R.A.) 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women—to empower women, promote gender equality, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Two women in power of PFDA, namely Corporate Board Secretary Atty. Fatima Dennise D. Briones-Mejica and Corporate Planning and MIS Department Manager Ms. Gina J. Reyes, shared some inspirational words during the kickoff program held at the PFDA - Central Office.
Atty. Briones-Mejica said that as a woman in government, “every step we take as women is a step toward a brighter, stronger, and more equal future.”
“Kaya naman ngayong Buwan ng Kababaihan, hiling ko na huwag tayong tumigil. Huwag tayong matakot magtagumpay. Patuloy nating ipagmalaki ang ating kontribusyon tungo sa isang Bagong Pilipinas,” Atty. Briones-Mejica said.
In addition, Ms. Reyes emphasized on the important role that women play in society, in the workplace, in our families, and in our communities.
“Bilang isang babae sa tanggapan ng gobyerno, nais kong ipaalala sa bawat isa na mayroon tayong isang tinig ng lakas, determinasyon, at pagbabago… Walang limitasyon sa ating hinaharap… Kaya naman hinihikayat ko kayong lahat na patuloy nating suportahan at palakasin ang isa’t isa at maging matapang tayo sa ating mga pangarap, dahil kapag ang kababaihan ang bumangon, bumabangon din ang ating lipunan,” Ms. Reyes said.
During the Women’s Month, the PFDA Central Office, led by the PFDA - Gender and Development Focal Point System (PFDA-GFPS) will be conducting various Gender and Development (GAD)-related activities, including a Gender Sensitivity Orientation for newly hired personnel and a GAD Film Showing, which will serve as a culmination activity for the month of March.
On the other hand, PFDA RFPs also conducted various activities to commemorate the start of the 2025 NWMC.
(Public Information Division)
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), led by Acting General Manager Atty. Glen A. Pangapalan, conducted its first PFDA Board Meeting for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, at the PFDA - Central Office, Diliman, Quezon City on February 17, 2025.
PFDA Board of Directors Chairperson and Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Mr. Francisco “Kiko” P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and the members and representatives of the PFDA Board of Directors were present during the meeting. They discussed the future of the fishing industry with the help of the PFDA and its intervention of flagship projects throughout the country.
At the start of the meeting, Secretary Laurel noted the need to maximize the value of the catch of our fisherfolk through the construction of fishery post-harvest facilities in strategic locations.
“Kailangan nating mabawasan ang spoilage at palawakin ang naaabot ng ating mga mangingisda upang matulungan natin silang mapataas ang kanilang kita. (We have to decrease food spoilage and increase the range of our fisherfolk so we can help them increase their income),” the Secretary said.
During the meeting, Corporate Planning and MIS Department Manager Ms. Gina J. Reyes and Finance Services Department Manager Mr. Jose A. Ruiz, Jr. proudly presented the physical accomplishments and financial performance of the PFDA for FY 2024, respectively.
In addition, Technical Services Department Manager Engr. Danilo A. Axalan introduced the PFDA Fisheries Infrastructure Development Programs and Projects of the PFDA for FY 2025 to 2026.
Afterwards, OIC-Assistant General Manager Atty. Edward M. Campos presented the PFDA Infrastructure Projects for Award of Contract.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez and Paul Vincent R. del Rosario - Public Information Division)
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority - Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC) personnel strengthened their emergency preparedness by participating in a Fire and Safety Seminar and Drill led by the Philippine Marine Corps’ Marine Battalion Landing Team (PMC-MBLT) on February 20, 2025.
The training ensures all personnel are well-prepared to manage fire hazards effectively. The PMC-MBLT demonstrated their commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and fostering a culture of fire safety.
The seminar featured Senior Fire Officer 1 (SFO1) Edgar Guevarra from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Sangali Station as the resource speaker. Mr. Guevarra provided insights into fire prevention techniques, safety measures, and emergency response protocols, emphasizing the importance of proactive fire safety efforts.
Following the seminar, participants performed actual firefighting techniques during a hands-on drill.
The practical exercise allowed participants to apply what they learned by engaging in real-life fire suppression tactics. The drill included extinguishing controlled fires, using fire hoses, and discussed emergency evacuation procedures. This hands-on approach helped enhance the participants’ confidence and skills in responding to fire-related emergencies.
12 PFDA-ZFPC personnel along with 28 uniformed personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) attended the training (39 males and 1 female).
1st Lieutenant James Arnold Gagtan, PN(M) led and coordinated the event.
(Robert Gregory Q. Elardo - Public Information Division with report and photos from Anesty F. Limen - PFDA-ZPFC)
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority - Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC) attended the commencement of the 14th Open Fishing Season for Sardines, on February 14, 2025, in Permex, Ayala, Zamboanga City, marking the lifting of the three-month sardine fishing ban.
In accordance with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Administrative Circular 255, also known as the 'Establishment of Closed Season for the Conservation of Sardines within Sibuguey Bay, Basilan Strait, and East Sulu Sea,' the closed fishing season promotes sustainable practices and ensures the long-term viability of the sardine industry, which is vital for the region’s economy, livelihood, and food security.
During the ceremony, BFAR Regional Fisheries Office (RFO) IX Assistant Director Isidro M. Velayo Jr. acknowledged PFDA-ZFPC Port Manager Mr. Ignacio M. Yao’s continued support and dedication to sustainable practices in sardine fishing.
In his message, PM Yao emphasized the symbolic significance of the lifting of the fishing ban, associating the activity with the spirit of renewal and growth. Afterwards, the event culminated in the traditional “Banging of the Gong” at the wharf, signaling the resumption of sardine fishing.
The one-day event was attended by representatives from various sectors, including the Department of Agriculture, Local Government Unit of Zamboanga City, and local fishing associations, highlighting the region’s collective commitment to preserving marine resources.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez - Public Information Division with report and photos from Ms. Aliya Amor S. Lorenzo - PFDA-ZFPC)
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Regional Fish Ports (RFP) delivered 39,399.10 metric tons (MT) of fish for all their clients and stakeholders in the month of January 2025, showing a 1.7% increase in fish unloading volume compared to unloadings last January 2024.
The highest fish unloading for this month, the PFDA - Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA-NFPC) unloaded 19,120.85 MT of fish, garnering 81.03% increase compared to last year.
Subsequently, the PFDA - Bulan Fish Port Complex (PFDA-BFPC) amassed 1,126.55 MT of fish, resulting in a 4.22% increase in its fish delivery.
Moreover, the PFDA - Davao Fish Port Complex (PFDA-DFPC) showed a significant 66.39% increase -the highest percentage of increase this month- after netting 459.47 MT of fish.
On the other hand, the PFDA - General Santos Fish Port Complex (PFDA-GSFPC) experienced a minor setback on fish unloading but still managed to collect 15,161.366 MT of fish.
The PFDA - Lucena Fish Port Complex (PFDA-LFPC) also had a minor decline in fish unloading with a 1,592.37 MT of fish in January.
Additionally, there was also a slight decrease at the PFDA - Iloilo Port Complex (PFDA-IFPC), where 1,591.91 MT of fish were unloaded.
Meanwhile, the PFDA - Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC) experienced a dip in fish unloading. Nonetheless, the Zambo fish port delivered 346.47 MT of fish.
Finally, the PFDA - Camaligan Fish Port (PFDA-CFP) continued supplying its clients and stakeholders with 0.125 MT of fish and fishery products.
(Robert Gregory Q. Elardo - Public Information Division)
For three consecutive years, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) received a Freedom of Information (FOI) Certificate of Compliance for 2023 from the FOI - Program Management Office (FOI-PMO) under the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), on February 12, 2025.
This certificate reflects PFDA’s ongoing commitment to transparency by providing clients, stakeholders, industry partners, and the public with convenient access to necessary information on the agency’s programs, projects, and essential data.
Established under Executive Order No. 2, series of 2016, the FOI program serves as the government’s demand to its agencies for transparency and full public disclosure of information, thus enabling Filipino citizens to request details about government transactions and operations, as long as such requests do not compromise privacy or national security.
The PFDA has appointed FOI Receiving Officers and Decision Makers who assist with information requests from external agencies, groups, and organizations.
(Robert Gregory Q. Elardo – Public Information Division)
pfda.gov.ph feed
Feed Entries
pfda.gov.ph feed
Feed Entries