Published: 10 November 2020

ISO Virtual Refresher at PFDA. Over 100 personnel from the Central Office and Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (ZFPC) participated in the event which covered the basic concepts on ISO and QMS, PFDA certification scope, quality policy and discussions on the documented information.

 Consistent with the core of the ISO 9001 on initiatives for continual improvement, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Quality Management System Team organized an online awareness orientation on the fundamentals of ISO 9001:2015 and PFDA QMS, November 5-6.

The event was organized in the collaboration with the Education and Training Team and Documents and Records Control Team of the PFDA QMS Team.

Mr. Mc Christian Julius A. Macaranas II and Mr. Thadeus A. Mariano, head of the mentioned QMS sub-committees, respectively, served as the resource persons for the event. Ms. Clarence Erika A. Masesar also served as technical facilitator.

Over 100 personnel from the Central Office and Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (ZFPC) participated in the event which covered the basic concepts on ISO and QMS, PFDA certification scope, quality policy and discussions on the documented information.

According to the ISO website, ISO 9001 sets out the criteria for a quality management system and can be used by any organization regardless of its field of activity.

The ISO 9001 is also based on a number of quality management principles including a strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, the process approach and continual improvement. (PFDA - Public Information Division)

Published: 09 November 2020

Implementation of standard health protocols and measures against the spread of the corona virus disease has been part of the “new normal” in all Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) units including Central Office and Regional Fish Port Complexes.

As one of the government agencies in the food production sector, particularly mandated to provide fishery post-harvest facilities, the PFDA is ensuring safe working environment for its workforce and clients since the start of pandemic.

PFDA and RFPs vs COVID-19. Zamboanga Fish Port Complex conducted a thorough disinfection in collaboration with the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, October 21- 22, 2020.

Last October 21 - 22, 2020, the PFDA – Zamboanga Fish Port Complex conducted a thorough disinfection in the entire port premises covering Finance Services Division (AFSD), Port Maintenance & Refrigeration Division (PMRD) and Harbor & Market Operations Division (HMOD).

The event was also supported by the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.

PFDA and RFPs vs COVID-19.Navotas Fish Port Complex also conducted its regular Monthly General Cleaning and Disinfection Activity with the help of various volunteers and stakeholders, November 7, 2020.

Meanwhile, the PFDA – Navotas Fish Port Complex also conducted its regular Monthly General Cleaning and Disinfection Activity, November 7, 2020.

 Regular volunteers and stakeholders in the PFDA – NFPC participated the event: City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group, Bureau of Fire Protection, Barangay NBBS, Thunder Fire and Rescue Volunteer at Delta Fire Volunteer, BMIL BSL Fire Volunteer, Manila Alliance Management Services Cooperative, and Catalina Security Agency.

PFDA- NFPC stakeholders also regularly support the activity: Irma Fishing and Trading, Inc, RBL Fishing Corporation, Chanidae Marketing Corporation, Kai Anya Food Distributors, Inc., United Navotas Fish Port Small-Scale Fish Traders, Fish Workers and Fisherfolks Association, Team Boss Ben, Food Vendors (Market 1 & 2), and Market 3 Pedicab Operators and Drivers Association (PODA).

PFDA CO vs COVID-19. The General Services Division under the Administrative Services Department (GSD-ASD), conducted regular intensive disinfection and general cleaning which was also supported by the PFDA – Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC), November 8, 2020.

Lastly, the PFDA – Central Office in Quezon City also conducted its regular disinfection activities, November 8, 2020.

Led by the General Services Division under the Administrative Services Department (GSD-ASD), the regular intensive disinfection and general cleaning is regularly supported by the PFDA – Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC). (Public Information Division)

(Photos and reports credits:  Christal Era M. Datahan – OIC, GSD-ASD, Sofia May Y. Romero and Joyce E. Velasquez – NFPC, and Mary Felice M. Cirilo – ZFPC)

Published: 27 October 2020

DA Visits PFDA - NFPC. PFDA General Manager Atty. Glen A. Pangapalan, and Acting Assistant General Manager, Mr. Miguel Lamberte Jr. accompanied Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Natividad- Caballero during the ocular visit at the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority – Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA – NFPC), October 23.

 Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Natividad - Caballero, together with Atty. Joy Mones-Borromeo, recently visited the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority – Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA – NFPC), October 23.

PFDA General Manager Atty. Glen A. Pangapalan, and Acting Assistant General Manager, Mr. Miguel Lamberte Jr. accompanied the DA officers during the NFPC visit.

Aside from the ocular inspection for the night time market trading operations, NFPC Port Manager Ms. Luz P. Ortiz also provided briefing on fish unloading and the importation of frozen and chilled fish and fishery products in the port.

The NFPC is situated in the northeastern section of Manila Bay and is the major landing center for fish in Metro Manila, supplying markets and institutional buyers in the metropolis and other parts of Luzon.

It is the major landing place of commercial fishing boats/vessels operating in various fishing grounds in the Philippines.

NFPC is also ISO 9001:2015 certified. Port operations automation at NFPC are maintained through regular performance check-up and continuous improvement of operational systems.

The adoption of the ISO certification further enhances the port's performance excellence to meet or exceed customer satisfaction resulting to better image of the agency on the overall reliability and dependability of service delivery, better working systems and workplaces, better communications and positive changes in attitudes among employees.

(Public Information Division with reports and photos from the PFDA – Navotas Fish Port Complex)

Published: 15 October 2020

 The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, one of the Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) under the Department of Agriculture, and all its Regional Fish Ports support this year’s World Food Day 2020 with the theme “Grow, nourish, sustain. Together. Our actions are our future.”, October 16, 2020.

 This #WorldFoodDay 2020 also marks the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

With global effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s World Food Day highlights the integral part of the agriculture and fisheries in the pandemic response.

This year’s event celebrates the people who produce, plant, harvest, fish and transport food which are also considered as #FoodHeroes.

Despite the pandemic, our #FoodHeroes continue to produce and supply food to their respective communities to grow, nourish, sustain in today’s new normal.

According to the FAO website, World Food Day 2020 is also a global call for cooperation and solidarity to help the affected and most vulnerable to recover from the pandemic.

Alongside economic recovery of all nations, food related responses such as building better food systems which are more resilient to the changing times, supply and sustain healthy food for everyone, and provide decent job for all workers in the food industry.

(Public Information Division)

Published: 13 October 2020

Updating the Stakeholders. The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)  conducted online consultation and orientation on Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 195, October 5-7.

Following the issuance of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Special Order No. 284, series of 2020, dated March 4, 2020, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) recently collaborated to conduct online consultation and orientation on Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 195, October 5-7.

The DA Special Order. 284, s. 2020 reiterates the implementation of provisions stated in the FAO No. 195 or the Rules and Regulations Governing Importation of Fresh/Chilled/Frozen and Fishery Aquatic Products.

FAO No. 195 was effectively implemented starting October 25, 1999 in line with the government's “intent of adopting a flexible policy towards the attainment of food security; in response to the emerging trends in the trade of fish and other aquatic products in domestic and international markets; in recognition of the need to ensure food safety on imported fish and fishery/aquatic products.”

It was later amended in 2003 with specific updates on Section 9 covering the guidelines on accreditation.

The online consultation was participated by more than 200 stakeholders from various groups and businesses in processing, canning, and institutional buyers.

Port Managers from PFDA Regional Fish Ports particularly Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC), General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC), and Davao Fish Port Complex (DFPC) attended the activity.

The PFDA – Operations Services Department presented the agency background, operations, services to the participants.

Full copy of the FAO No. 195 issuances can be accessed through the BFAR Database below:

FAO No. 195, s. 1999 - https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/LAW?fi=337

FAO No. 195, s. 2003 https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/LAW?fi=338

(Public Information Division with report and photos from the PFDA- Navotas Fish Port Complex)

Published: 12 October 2020

Mental Health Matters. The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority – Lucena Fish Port Complex (PFDA LFPC) recently participated in a webinar titled "Be Kind to Your Mind: A Talk on Mental Health Awareness and Ways on How to Cope, Get Through and Grow in Time of Pandemic ", September 29, 2020

To better understand the psychological and mental effects of the pandemic, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority – Lucena Fish Port Complex (PFDA LFPC) recently participated in a webinar on mental health education, September 29, 2020.

The online event titled "Be Kind to Your Mind: A Talk on Mental Health Awareness and Ways on How to Cope, Get Through and Grow in Time of Pandemic " was organized by the Quezon Provincial Gender and Development at Provincial GAD Focal Point System (PGADFPS).

World Mental Health Day is observed every October 10 of the year which aims to raise awareness on mental health issues and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), despite the consistent ranking of the Philippines in the Top 5 global optimism index, the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) said that the monthly hotline calls regarding depression significantly increased comparing 80 calls received pre-lockdown to nearly 400 average calls during the implementation of Community Quarantine.

Further, the WHO also revealed that the most vulnerable population globally is those aged 15-29 and mental health-related deaths are also the second leading cause of fatalities in this age group. 

(Public Information Division with reports and photos from the PFDA - Lucena Fish Port Complex)