Published: 19 April 2022

Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) conducted an isDA ON THE GO (iOTG) partnership project orientation with Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)-registered cooperatives from Davao Region, Bohol, and Southern Leyte, via teleconference on April 19, 2022. 

The virtual orientation aims to expand the reach of the PFDA-CDA iOTG partnership project not only in Metro Manila but also in some parts of Visayas and Mindanao. 

Ms. Camille An I. Moog of PFDA – Operations Services Department led the presentation of the iOTG orientation. During the lecture, Ms. Moog discussed the program objectives and operation of iOTG. She also explained the project's business model, product lines (frozen fish and fresh fish), and distribution channels

Additionally, Ms. Moog presented the accomplishments and ways forward of the iOTG program, as well as the roles and responsibilities of PFDA and the CDA cooperatives once the partnership occurs.

To benefit from this partnership project between PFDA and CDA, cooperatives must adhere to several requirements and must achieve certain criteria. The CDA-certified cooperatives must: (1) sign a contract agreement with PFDA; (2) have at least 6 square meters of space; (3) can oversee and process point of sale purchases; (4) have the capacity for bookkeeping and asset inventory management; (5) have a minimum of three years in operation; (6) have a CDA Certificate of Good Standing; and (7) preferably with members from the marginalized sector.

During the open forum, Regional & Municipal Project Operations Division Chief Ms. Janet T. Manalo and Quality Assurance Division - OSD Officer-In-Charge Mr. Emilio Paul M. Candelaria responded to questions and concerns from the members of the cooperatives in the region. They guaranteed to all that the prices of fish sold through the iOTG program are cheaper than the prevailing market price. 

Moreover, Ms. Manalo and Mr. Candelaria explained to the participants that the project contract for the PFDA-CDA partnership may be enhanced to accommodate the geographical considerations of the intended partners. In addition, the PFDA team is looking at plans of creating a fish supply depot for cooperative partners in the Davao Region, Bohol, and Southern Leyte. 

Taking part in today’s activity were the PFDA Assistant General Manager Ms. Iris R. de Vera, CDA Board Member Assistant Secretary Virgilio R. Lazaga, PFDA – Navotas Fish Port Complex Port Manager Ms. Luz P. Ortiz, and staff and personnel from CDA, and members of the PFDA isDA ON THE GO Business Office (IBO). 

Some 60 representatives from various cooperatives in Davao Region, Bohol, and Southern Leyte actively participated in the orientation. 

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division)

Published: 18 April 2022

Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), through its Regional Fish Ports (RFPs), registered a record-high fish unloading volume at 59,988.98 metric tons (MT) in March 2022, a 37.69% increase compared to the previous month's unloading.

Based on the agency’s Modified Integrated Corporate Reporting System (MICRS), this month’s volume is higher than every monthly unloading recorded in the agency system since July 2020.

According to the report, this month’s significant increase was greatly influenced by the PFDA – Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA-NFPC) by almost doubling its monthly unloading volume. Data showed that the port delivered 28,276.47 MT of fish (96.53% increase) to its stakeholders. 

Meanwhile, the PFDA – General Santos Fish Port Complex (PFDA-GSFPC) also made a significant turnout after delivering 22,157.90 MT of fish (11.07% increase).

Subsequently, the PFDA – Iloilo Fish Port Complex (PFDA-IFPC) and the PFDA – Lucena Fish Port Complex (PFDA-LFPC) both ended the month of March with a positive trend. The ports managed to unload 2,370.24 MT (48.30% increase) and 2,351.03 MT (19.23% increase), respectively. 

Moreover, the PFDA – Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC) distributed 902.76 MT of fishery products (6.87% increase).

In addition, PFDA – Sual Fish Port (PFDA-SFP) and PFDA – Camaligan Fish Port (CFP) have both returned to sea and delivered 50.610 MT (1965.71% increase) and 5.470 metric tons (463.91% increase), respectively.

On the other hand, PFDA – Davao Fish Port Complex (PFDA-DFPC) and PFDA - Bulan Fish Port Complex (PFDA-BFPC) had a slight dip in their monthly unloading volume. Nevertheless, both ports managed to deliver 2,364.16 MT and 1,510.36 MT, respectively, to fish consumers. 

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division)

Published: 04 April 2022

Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), through the PFDA – Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA-NFPC) isDA ON THE GO (iOTG) Project Team, participated in the retail selling of the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s KADIWA ni ANI at KITA Retail Stores in Amparo Rotonda, North Caloocan on April 2 to 3, 2022.

In line with the DA’s move to intensify the promotion of the KADIWA rolling stores in the National Capital Region (NCR), this activity is also a response to the continuous increase in food prices due to soaring fuel prices.

The activity was led by DA Secretary Dr. William D. Dar, together with DA-NCR Operations Director Mr. U-Nichols Manalo, DA-NCR Operations Assistant Director Ms. Annray Rivera, and PFDA-NFPC Port Manager Ms. Luz P. Ortiz.

Other KADIWA-iOTG rolling store locations include Don Enrique Heights and Brisbane Street in Quezon City; Tomasa Subdivision, Brgy. Ususan in Taguig City; REHA 1, Stallion St., Rancho Estate I in Marikina City; and Royal South Village, Talon 5 in Las Piñas City.

Almost 450 kilograms (kgs) of fresh and frozen fishery products from the PFDA-NFPC were sold across various KADIWA retail stores in NCR. Various fishery products that were sold in said target locations were galunggong, bangus, tilapia, hipon, pusit, sugpo, tahong, pampano, yellowfin tuna, maya-maya, lapu-lapu, talakitok, betilla and other fishery products.

Market Administrator Mr. Al Fajardo, Amparo Village Homeowners Association President Mr. Ernesto Reyes, members of the iOTG Project Team, and other members of the PFDA were also present during the activity.

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division with report and photos from Ms. Joy S. Tuazon and Ms. Joyce Velasquez of PFDA-NFPC)

Published: 25 March 2022

To cap off the month-long celebration of 2022 National Women’s Month, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) held a virtual talk series entitled “Usapang Lalaki: Understanding Masculinity in Women Issues and Gender Advancement” on March 25, 2022.

Through its Gender and Development Focal Point System (PFDA-GAD FPS), today’s webinar aims to provide the audience a basic understanding of masculinity as a key gender issue, its relationship to women issues such as violence against women (VAW), and how addressing issues of masculinities is essential to advancing gender equality.

Mr. John Erwin S. Bañez, Assistant Professor at the University of the Philippines – College of Social Work and Community Development (UP CSWCD), served as the first speaker where he discussed “Pagkalalake: Sanhi ba ito ng diskriminasyon at pag-aabuso?”.

During his discussion, Mr. Bañez talked about how we build and change the concept of masculinity. The professor said that we tend to put labels and level masculinity, depending on who is considered as masculine and not, which can result in discrimination. He noted that discrimination begins because we have a set standard in men.

Moreover, Mr. Bañez also defined toxic masculinity and ways to address this destructive notion. He noted that masculinity can be a basis of support. Mr. Bañez said that there are other definitions of masculinity, and we can be masculine without being toxic.

“Tandaan po natin na men can be sensitive, caring, gentle, artsy, affectionate, and pretty, among others. Ngayon pa lang, pwede tayo magkaroon ng choice na pwedeng may ibang paraan ng pagtrato at pagpapalaki sa mga batang lalaki so that they can be better men than us… Umpisa pa lang ito. Mahirap ang adjustment pero tuloy-tuloy lang po tayo. We are all a work in progress,” Mr. Bañez said.

Later in the day, Mr. Reynaldo G. De Guia, National Chairperson of Men Opposed to VAW Everywhere (MOVE) – Philippines, served as the second guest speaker where he talked about the virtues and principles being upheld by MOVE Philippines. 

MOVE Philippines is an advocate of principled men which dedicated themselves to being actively involved in eliminating all forms of discrimination against women, particularly VAWC.

During his presentation, Mr. De Guia shared an overview of VAW in the Philippines and various laws related to VAW. He also shared the vision, mission, objective, core values, and various notable achievements of MOVE Philippines, which revolves around the fight against VAWC. 

“It is the time to strengthen men’s organization to curve, if not eliminate, violence against women. The duty to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality is not exclusive to women alone. Men’s participation strengthens each step towards ending VAW… Our involvement as men advocates is indeed crucial in empowering women. Men and boys need to be part of the solution as allies to end discrimination against women and girls, to achieve gender equality and equity, and to promote the human rights of women and girls,” Mr. De Guia said. 

Before the end of his talk, Mr. De Guia encouraged the male employees of the PFDA to take action and be partners in the efforts of ending VAW in the Philippines. 

To watch the replay of the webinar, make sure to like and follow the PFDA GAD Focal Point System Facebook Page and PFDA Official Facebook Page and use the hashtags #WomenMakeChange #AgendaNgKababaihan #NWMC2022

Mr. Mc Christian Julius A. Macaranas and Mr. Miguel M. Pilarta of the PFDA – GAD FPS Technical Working Group served as the moderators of the webinar series.

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division)

Published: 21 March 2022

Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), through the PFDA - Gender and Development Focal Point System (PFDA-GAD FPS), continues to champion gender inclusivity and equality this 2022 National Women’s Month by conducting an online Gender Sensitivity Orientation, held on March 21, 2022.

Dr. Excelsa C. Tongson, Deputy Director for Training and Outreach at the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS), served as the resource speaker for the event. During her presentation, Dr. Tongson taught the participants how to differentiate sex and gender and help them become more gender sensitive and gender transformative. 

Moreover, Dr. Tongson carefully dissected the true meaning of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sexual Characteristics (SOGIESC) and how to make things better for everyone and create an inclusive and gender transformative workplace and community.

"We all have the right to define and be proud of our SOCIESC. Everyone has unique SOGIESC, and we have to celebrate this diversity and support our friends and relatives towards human flourishing... To make things better, anyone should have the opportunity to participate in the things that matter to them, like a decent standard of living and access to work. Walang problema sa inyo. You are perfectly okay," Dr. Tongson said. 

In addition, Dr. Tongson noted that regardless of our SOGIESC, we need to have social protection and health care services from the government. She also discussed how to become an ally of SOCIESC. 

During the open forum, Dr. Tongson responded to SOGIESC-related queries and clarifications from the participants. Several attendants expressed their appreciation for this initiative to champion gender sensitivity in the workplace. 

For the closing remarks, Mr. Miguel M. Pilarta, Head of the Committee on Advocacy, Linkages, and Capacity Building, thanked everyone who actively participated in the event. He expressed his appreciation to Dr. Tongson for her unwavering support to PFDA-GADFPS and its advocacy to have a gender inclusive and gender transformative workplace.

“It's never too late to unlearn the misconceptions about SOGIESC. Hindi pa natatapos ang learnings sa GSO na ito because we are here to guide you and enlighten you in this learning process. I hope hindi dito tumigil ang ating learning and let us spread the word of GAD sa ating mga ka-opisina. Happy Women's Month po sa ating lahat. Abante babae!,” Mr. Pilarta said. 

Some 50 representatives from various PFDA Central Office units and Regional Fish Ports (RFPs) actively participated in the online discussion about gender sensitivity.

Mr. Mc Christian Julius A. Macaranas II, head of PFDA GAD Focal Point System TWG, served as the moderator and host for the said activity.

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division)

Published: 15 March 2022

Members of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Board of Directors and Top Management conducted a site inspection on the ongoing rehabilitation projects in the PFDA – Iloilo Fish Port Complex (PFDA-IFPC) in a bid to ensure the progress of various infrastructure projects in one of the largest seaports in Western Visayas, held on March 10, 2022. 

Led by PFDA General Manager Atty. Glen A. Pangapalan, the team inspected several project areas in the port to further see the status of the project and to plan future engagements of a new and improved port. 

Among the BOD members who visited the port were the Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Agri-Industrialization and Fisheries Ms. Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, NFA Administrator Atty. Judy Carol Dansal, and BOI Resource-Based Industries Service (RBIS) OIC-Director Raquel B. Echague. 

As of February 2022, the rehabilitation of the PFDA-IFPC is already more than halfway to completion at 66 percent and will soon cater to more clients and stakeholders in the region. 

According to USec. Caballero, these rehabilitation projects in PFDA Regional Fish Ports (RFP) aim to address post-harvest losses, better profit for local fisherfolk, and improve food safety of fresh catch including harvest from fish farming/aquaculture for the consuming public.

(Mark Angelo N. Perez and Johnny A. Basamot - Public Information Division with reports from Office of the Board Secretary and Elaine Grace R. Gonzales – PFDA-TSD)