Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) and all its Regional Fish Ports (RFP) nationwide took part in the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) held simultaneously nationwide on September 21, 2024.
With the theme “Clean Seas for Blue Economy”, the purpose of the event is to bring together communities, organizations, and individuals to remove trash and debris from coastlines, waterways, and oceans to ensure all those that live in the ocean can #SeaTheChange .
During the cleanup, volunteers not only collected litter but also identified and cataloged the items using a standardized data card. This valuable information is then entered into a comprehensive database, enabling pollution specialists to analyze the data and develop effective solutions to combat marine debris. Through this initiative, the ICC advocates for cleaner, healthier oceans and empowers communities to take meaningful action against ocean pollution.
Organized by the Ocean Conservancy, a non-profit environmental advocacy group, the ICC is an annual event in which the PFDA has committed to participate, reflecting its dedication to environmental conservation and its responsibility to protect marine ecosystems. By actively engaging in this global initiative, the PFDA demonstrates its ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and raise awareness about the importance of keeping our coastlines clean and free of pollution.
PFDA personnel, along with volunteers, community organizations, clients, stakeholders, and industry partners, joined the cleanup.
(Robert Gregory Q. Elardo – Public Information Division with reports and photos from PFDA-RFPs)
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority - Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC) participated in the Oil Spill Seminar and Drill conducted by Western Mindanao Power Corporation (WMPC) on September 18, 2024.
The one-day seminar and drill aims to enhance the emergency preparedness and response initiatives of the participants and equip them with the essential knowledge and skills required to effectively manage marine pollution, with a particular focus on responding to oil spill incidents.
The seminar commenced at the WMPC with a lecture delivered by Coast Guard Lieutenant Junior Grade (CG LTJG.) Gerald L. Cordero, Superintendent of the Marine Environmental Protection Training Institute – Philippine Coast Guard (MEPTI-PCG).
This was followed by a simultaneous earthquake and oil spill drill conducted at the PFDA-ZFPC Pier, which was thoroughly assessed and evaluated by members of the PCG during the subsequent debriefing session.
The seminar and drill was organized by Engr. Dennis M. Aguilar, Safety Environmental Engineer of WMPC and was attended by the PFDA-ZFPC personnel from Port Maintenance and Refrigeration Division (PMRD) and Harbor and Market Operations Division (HMOD) as well as personnel from WMPC.
(Robert Gregory Q. Elardo - Public Information Division with report and photos from Anesty F. Limen - PFDA-ZPFC)
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority – Central Office (PFDA-CO) has secured its sixth consecutive ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification after successfully passing a surveillance audit on September 17, 2024, with zero non-conformities.
Auditors from TÜV Rheinland assessed and evaluated PFDA-CO’s core business process which focuses on project administration of fish ports covering project management, to determine its eligibility for maintaining ISO certification.
Moreover, the auditors assessed the agency's efficacy and capacity on system management to fulfill applicable, statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements to guarantee that the agency can achieve its goals.
Ms. Rhene Rose Zara and Ms. Elisa Cruz of TÜV Rheinland, with Mr. Dahlan Nasution of TÜV Rheinland Indonesia (via teleconference), were this year’s auditors.
The assessment kicked off with the PFDA-CO Deputy Quality Management Representative (DQMR) Mr. Mc Christian Julius A. Macaranas II introducing the auditees and the participants for the audit.
The surveillance audit covered various organizational units and processes such as the PFDA Top Management, Internal Quality Audit and Corrective Actions, Control of Documented Information, Legal Division, Operations Services, Corporate Planning, Information Technology, Administrative Services, Financial, Technical Services Department, and the Public Information Division. Meanwhile, the audit for Project Site Operation Implementation and Construction Management was conducted on-site in the PFDA - Navotas Fish Port Complex.
At the closing meeting, the TÜV Rheinland auditors confirmed that PFDA-CO has successfully maintained an effective and robust management system that aligns with its policy objectives. They commended the agency’s excellent performance and its numerous awards and recognitions in 2024, affirming its consistent adherence to ISO 9001:2015 standards.
In addition, TÜV Rheinland recommended the continued ISO certification for PFDA-CO, ensuring its validity until next year.
Quality Management Representative (QMR) Engr. Danilo A. Axalan also acknowledged all of the PFDA-CO personnel for their dedication and hardwork in achieving ISO certification for the year 2024 despite the hardships and the challenges they faced.
“We really appreciate the findings. We acknowledge that there is really a need for us to improve.” Engr. Axalan said.
ISO surveillance audits ensure that customers receive products and services that are standard and consistent to the performance being delivered by the agency. With that, the ISO 9001 certification provides credibility that an organization has established an effective Quality Management System.
(Robert Gregory Q. Elardo - Public Information Division)
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority - Lucena Fish Port Complex (PFDA-LFPC) joins Lucena City’s Our Lady of Peñafrancia Celebration on September 8, 2024.
Led by the Parish and Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia de Lucena, a mass was held in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia at the PFDA-LFPC Market Hall. This was followed by a fluvial procession along Tayabas Bay, which started at the PFDA-LFPC Multi-Purpose Pier 1 and was attended by commercial and municipal fishing boat operators and devotees.
The occasion and homage is intended as a way of thanksgiving by Lucena City residents to Our Lady of Peñafrancia for the continuous bounty from the ocean.
Additionally, the celebration was also an opportunity for the PFDA-LFPC to show to the public the various improvements at the fish port, including various advocacies in food safety and clean environment bannered in PFDA’s Check FRESH campaign which are posted in noticeable areas within the PFDA-LFPC.
Members of the Regional Management Committee of the Department of Agriculture - CALABARZON also attended the celebration.
(Robert Gregory Q. Elardo - Public Information Division with report and photos from Genesis L. Bernaldez - PFDA-LFPC)
Philippines Fisheries Development Authority - General Santos Fish Port Complex (PFDA-GSFPC) warmly welcomed US Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency MaryKay L. Carson during her first visit to General Santos City on September 12, 2024.
The tour took place at PFDA-GSFPC Market Hall 1, where PFDA-GSFPC Port Manager Mr. Paris Uldarico Y. Ayon highlighted the world-renowned tuna industry and explained the processes involved in the export and processing of various tuna species.
During her walkthrough, Ambassador Carlson observed the daily activities at the port and engaged with some of the locators, particularly exporters who trade with the United States. Her visit provided a unique opportunity to see the vibrant operations of the PFDA-GSFPC and its pivotal role in the global tuna market.
PM Ayon, along with PFDA-GSFPC’s officers and representatives from local fishing associations, accompanied US Ambassador Carson during her visit around the port.
Ms. Carlson also served as the keynote speaker at the 33rd Mindanao Business Conference hosted by General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.
(Robert Gregory Q. Elardo - Public Information Division with report and photos from Fritzie V. Leviste - PFDA-GSFPC)
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority - Iloilo Fish Port Complex (PFDA-IFPC) engaged in an insightful Focus Group Discussion (FGD) led by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region VI, in collaboration with Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Consultants, on September 6, 2024.
The FGD focused on examining the current market chain structure to identify inefficiencies or bottlenecks, aiming to enhance the market and value-added chains for Pompano and Sea Bass in Iloilo as well as boosting its efficiency and profitability.
The discussion also covered the journey from pond production to the consumer, including transportation, handling, and distribution.
Moreover, the BFAR and KOICA gathered insights from PFDA-IFPC fish brokers in the supply chain to understand their challenges and needs that can help in designing more effective interventions and support programs.
The FGD is part of the upcoming project of KOICA and BFAR for the fisherfolks of the Province of Guimaras in promoting the pond culture for Pompano and Sea Bass to be utilized by the fisheries sector in Western Visayas.
The FGD was coordinated by the PFDA-IFPC Harbor and Market Division and was attended by fifteen (15) PFDA-IFPC fish brokers.
(Robert Gregory Q. Elardo - Public Information Division with report and photos from Irene B. Magullado and Noelamy Jade Consular - PFDA-IFPC)
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), through its PFDA - Gender and Development Focal Point System (PFDA-GFPS), conducted a Gender and Development (GAD) Training Workshop on Gender Mainstreaming and Evaluation Framework (GMEF) and GAD Planning and Budget (GPB) for F.Y. 2025 on August 27 to 30, 2024 at the University Hotel, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.
The three-day training aims to boost PFDA’s gender mainstreaming efforts and to improve the planning, designing, ang implementation of policies, programs, and projects to address various gender issues arising in the organization.
PFDA Assistant General Manager and PFDA-GFPS Executive Committee Chairperson Ms. Iris R. De Vera expressed her appreciation to the participants who have allotted their time in the advancement of gender equality and promotion of gender-responsive efforts within the agency.
“The PFDA is in full support in mainstreaming GAD strategies and activities. We have a lot to learn on how we can mainstream our GAD plans and integrate them into our agency’s mandate… I expect so much from you all to make the most out of this training workshop,” Ms. De Vera said.
Meanwhile, Corporate Planning and Management Information Services Department Manager Ms. Gina J. Reyes discussed the inclusion of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in the Enhanced Performance Evaluation System (PES) for the government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC).
“PFDA has always been inclusive in terms of gender, and with this workshop we can do more… With this training workshop, may we have a different approach on how we plan, set targets, and support the attainment of our agency goals, objectives, and vision. Also, we no longer view gender and social inclusion as a secondary or peripheral concern, instead it must be a part of the core component of our strategic planning,” Ms. Reyes said.
Psyche Mae A. Asencio from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and member of the PCW National GAD Resource Pool, is the resource speaker for the three-day activity.
Asencio facilitated the discussion on advancing gender mainstreaming in PFDA. She discussed the policy imperatives and elaborated on the concepts of gender mainstreaming. Afterward, the resource speaker tackled the gender mainstreaming entry points that measures the success of an organization’s mainstreaming efforts.
“Ang gender mainstreaming ay hindi dapat tinitingnan na ibang trabaho dahil parte dapat ito ng pang-araw-araw na buhay ng PFDA,” Psyche noted.
Subsequently, the participants validated the PFDA’s GMEF Score and Questionnaire 2024. The result of the validation was then related to the creation and improvement of the PFDA GPB 2025.
Psyche discussed the essential elements in GAD Planning and Budgeting which includes Creation and/or Strengthening of the GAD Focal Points, Capacity Building on GAD, Conduct of Gender Audit, and Institutionalization of GAD Database/Sex-Disaggregated Data (SDD).
After the discussion, the participants drafted and presented the GPB 2025 based on the identified gender issues and interventions to address these gender issues.
During the presentations, Psyche shared her comments and suggestions to improve gender mainstreaming activities and further enhance the PFDA’s GPB 2025.
Members of the PFDA-GFPS Technical Working Group in the Central Office and Regional Fish Ports actively participated in the three-day GMEF and GPB training workshop.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez and Paul Vincent R. del Rosario - Public Information Division)
pfda.gov.ph feed
Feed Entries
pfda.gov.ph feed
Feed Entries