The Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) lead the annual celebration of the World Food Day with this year’s theme, “Our Actions Are our Future. Healthy Diets for a #ZeroHunger World.”

As an attached agency under the Department of Agriculture, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) actively took part in the culminating activity of the 2019 World Food Day, held on October 16, 2019 at the Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City, to promote healthy, balance, and sustainable diets for everyone.

Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations Ariel Cayanan emphasized the “call for a stronger global, national, and multi-sectoral effort to fight hunger, malnutrition and feed the planet in a sustainable way.” He also highlighted the importance of the primary days of a child’s development and that “It is high time to reinforce the critical role of agriculture and fisheries in improving the nutritional status and quality of life of every Filipino.” He then encouraged DA bureaus and attached agencies to strengthen its safety protocol and create studies to make nutritious food available, accessible, and affordable.

FAO Country Director for WFD Program Mats Perrson highlighted the importance of nutrition and food security. He called the attention of the government to address the gap that hinders Filipinos from eating safe and nutritious food. He also stated that the country should stimulate its local production, reintroduce iron-fortified rice, and reduce food waste. According to the FAO, achieving #ZeroHunger is not only about addressing hunger, but also nourishing people while nurturing the planet.

Agriculture Undersecretary for Special Concerns Waldo Carpio said that much still remains to be done, for hunger and malnutrition are sophisticated problems. “This celebration serves as a reminder for us to be continuously aggressive in our efforts to build a global movement to end hunger and fulfill our moral obligation to provide available and affordable food for the Filipino people,” stated USec. Carpio.

The celebration ended with an enthralling Candle Lighting Ceremony and the reading of the Pledge of Commitment with which all participants gathered together, illuminated, and lifted up their candles to signify their unity and commitment in bringing a brighter future for all Filipinos and a #ZeroHunger World.

30 personnel from the Central Office and 15 personnel from the Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC) participated in the event. (Josh A. Casila)

The wet market price of fish and fishery products saw a steep increase during the months of November 2018 to February 2019, the designated three-month closed fishing season mandated under the Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 167-3 of BFAR.  Galunggong (Roundscad spp.), once dubbed as the “poor man’s fish,” averaged from 180.00 PhP to 200.00 PhP per kilo at the wet markets, while maintaining an average of 90.00 PhP to 100.00 PhP per kilo at the Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC). The high price of fish and fishery products succeeding the closed fishing season, however, finally prompted the Government’s response.

Thus, on April 08, 2019, The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Private Sector, and the Local Government of Antipolo City launched “isDA ON THE GO,” the Authority’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Project, at the Antipolo City Hall grounds. “IsDA ON THE GO is aimed to ensure food security, and public welfare and safety, through the provision of affordable and stable supply of fish and fishery products to the consuming public.

The Project launch was attended by DA-Undersecretary and BFAR Director Eduardo B. Gongona, DA-Undersecretary for Operations Engr. Ariel T. Cayanan, PFDA General Manager Atty. Glen A. Pangapalan, PFDA Assistant General Manager Atty. Loralie C. Datahan, DA-Deputy Executive Director Annray V. Rivera, City Administrator Atty. Henry R. Rosantina, Liga ng mga Baranggay ng Antipolo President Jonathan Salen, and other key officials of Antipolo City,

Antipolo City is the pioneer site of the Project, with a population of approximately 892,844 in 2019, the highest in Region IV-A and the seventh in the Philippines.  Several more cities within Metro Manila are planned for Project implementation within the year, such as Quezon, Taguig, Muntinlupa, and Manila to name a few.