Philippine Fisheries Development Authority – Lucena Fish Port Complex (PFDA-LFPC) hosted the 2nd Regional Management Committee (RMC) meeting of the Department of Agriculture (DA) – CALABARZON for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 on April 12, 2024, at the PFDA-LFPC Administrative Building, Lucena City, Quezon.
PFDA-LFPC Port Manager (PM) Mr. Custodio L. Balaoing, Jr. warmly welcomed DA Region IV-A CALABARZON Regional Executive Director (RED) and RMC Chairperson Mr. Fidel L. Libao, together with approximately 50 representatives and personnel from all DA-attached agencies and bureaus who graced the bi-monthly event.
The DA-RMC meeting is a platform where various government agencies under the DA umbrella can share information on several DA concerns and agendas.
During the one-day event, the committee discussed various topics, including comments from the Special Committee on Southern Tagalog Development presented by DA CALABARZON RED Libao, updates and profile of the PFDA-LFPC presented by PM Balaoing, El Niño updated presented by the National Irrigation Authority and DA-Field Operations Division, FY 2025 Plan and Budget Proposal Updated presented by DA CALABARZON, and Agricultural and Fishery Council Monitoring Updates presented by the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez with report and photos from Genesis L. Bernaldez – PFDA-LFPC)
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) joins the Food Security Cluster Communications Workshop organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija on April 3 to 5, 2024.
The three-day workshop is in line with the PCO’s commitment to engage and involve the three (3) key sectors in enriching the quality of public discourse on the national food security sector. The sectors are (1) the administrators of food security programs in the executive branch, (2) the government communicators for food security-related content such as agriculture policies, programs, and projects, and (3) the media practitioners covering the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies, the Department of Trade and Industry, and other related government agencies that support the food security program of the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos (PBBM).
Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel, Jr. served as the keynote speaker at the event. During his speech, the agri chief reiterated the DA’s support to the PCO in its pledge to deliver transparent, accurate, and reliable information to the public. Mr. Tiu Laurel said that communication takes a crucial vital role in the Bagong Pilipinas campaign of President Bongbong Marcos Jr.
"This workshop is an avenue for greater collaboration among government agencies and private media practitioners on how to effectively deliver information relative to the government’s thrusts, programs, and projects," the DA secretary said.
A series of plenary topics were discussed during the three-day workshop, including the State of Agriculture in the Philippines (DA Secretary Kiko Tiu Laurel); A Filipino Farmer in the Midst of a Competitive World (DA Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Regulations Atty. Asis G. Perez); The State of Trade and Industry in Food Security (Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual); Covering the Presidency and the Food Security Agenda (PCO Secretary Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil, MNSA); and Optimizing Digital Media for Food Security Communications (PCO Undersecretary Emerald Anne R. Ridao).
On the second day, a workshop on Futures Scenario and Food Crisis Simulation Tool was conducted to serve as practical guidance to help participants develop a strategy and communicate effectively with their target audiences.
Moreover, several experiential field visits to PhilRice and Central Luzon State University (CLSU)’s Kamalig Science and Technology Agritourism Site were also conducted to reinforce what the participants learned during the workshop sessions.
Around 80 participants from selected media practitioners, correspondents from the Philippine News Agency, Philippine Information Agency, PTV Radio Pilipinas, and key government communications focal persons attended the workshop.
Mr. Miguel M. Pilarta, Officer-in-Charge of PFDA Public Information Division, represented the agency in the said workshop.
(Miguel M. Pilarta and Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division)
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Regional Fish Ports (RFP) participated in various activities dedicated to the celebration of the 2024 National Women’s Month with the theme, “WE for gender equality and inclusive society” and sub-theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, patutunayan!” this month of March 2023.
Spearheaded by the PFDA – Gender and Development Focal Point System (PFDA-GFPS) Regional Technical Working Group members (TWG), the PFDA ports joined in the simultaneous kickoff of the NWMC 2024. Aside from the kickoff, the PFDA RFPs also partnered with various agencies in celebrating Women’s Month.
The PFDA – Lucena Fish Port Complex (PFDA-LFPC) posted the “Kwentong PFDA” Exhibit celebrating various female clients of the PFDA prepared by the PFDA-GFPS and the PFDA Public Information Division. The Lucena port also continuously played a music video highlighting the lives and heroism of Filipino women.
Subsequently, the PFDA – Davao Fish Port Complex (PFDA-DFPC), led by Port Manager (PM) Albert P. Aguinaldo also displayed the “Kwentong PFDA” Exhibit. In addition, the PFDA-DFPC joined various agencies in the NWMC 2024 Opening Ceremony organized by the Department of Agriculture Region XI – Gender and Development Focal System on March 8.
Meanwhile, the PFDA – Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC), headed by PM Ignacio M. Yao, joined the Marcha de las Mujeres: A Purple Walk for a Cause that was organized by the City Government of Zamboanga on March 8. This event, in conjunction with International Women’s Day, symbolizes the unity and support of various institutions and government entities in the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and honor the achievements of women all around the globe.
Furthermore, the PFDA – Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA-NFPC), led by PM Luz P. Ortiz, and the PFDA – Sual Fish Port (PFDA-SFP), led by PM Nasil A. Abdul, collaborated in celebrating the NWMC 2024. The PFDA-NFPC GFPS conducted a Networking and Exposure Trip in PFDA-SFP on March 15 to 16. Some employees of the PFDA-NFPC and PFDA-SFP and members of the Eco-Friendly Women of Navotas joined in the tree planting activity within the port vicinity. Afterward, they took livelihood training on bangus fish processing and bangus deboning.
Moreover, female employees of the PFDA – Camaligan Fish Port (PFDA-CFP) participated in the DA Bicol Inter-Agency Women-Employee’s Day Celebration 2024 on March 22. Various topics, including the “Bawal Bastos” Law and RA No. 11313: Safe Spaces Act, were discussed during the program. The participants also enjoyed recreational activities like the Bachata Dance, haircut, manicure and pedicure, and reflexology, offered by DA RFO 5.
In addition, the PFDA – General Santos Fish Port Complex (PFDA-GSFPC), the PFDA – Iloilo Fish Port Complex (PFDA-IFPC), and the PFDA – Bulan Fish Port Complex (PFDA-BFPC) also showed their support to the Women’s Month celebration by conducting various GAD activities in their respective ports.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division with report and photos from PFDA Regional Fish Ports)
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority – Sual Fish Port (PFDA-SFP) joined the 60th Fishery Industry Forum for Stakeholders with the theme, “Masaganang Pangisdaan Tungo sa Maunlad na Ekonomiya” at Hotelinda Suites, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on March 25, 2024.
As one of the resource speakers during the forum, PFDA-SFP OIC-Port Manager Mr. Nasil A. Abdul introduced the mandate and vision of the PFDA and presented the agency’s Regional Fish Ports Program and Municipal Fish Ports Program. Mr. Abdul also highlighted the facilities, industries, and clients of PFDA-SFP. He also discussed the sources and destinations of fish and fishery products unloaded in the Sual port.
In addition, Mr. Abdul also talked about the target construction of the Ilocos Norte Modern Fish Market this FY 2024. This project, under the oversight of the PFDA-SFP, will be a potential economic driver in northern Luzon.
In this one-day event organized by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Regional Field Office I (BFAR-RFO I), the participants had the chance to establish market linkages, provide opportunities for scientific information dissemination, and the adoption of the latest technologies and innovations in the fisheries sector.
During the forum, experts from various public and private organizations were also able to introduce the nature of their business engagements, work in synchronizing various layers in the fishery supply chain, and promote services and livelihood assistance programs for the Filipino fisherfolk toward a healthier and more sustainable industry.
Other members of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resource Management Council (FARMC), representatives from all Local Government Units of Ilocos Sur, other government agencies, and several private institutions were also present during the forum.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division with report and photos from Mr. Nasil A. Abdul – PFDA-SFP)
Credit Cooperative of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (CCPFDA) conducted its 2024 General Assembly on March 22, 2024, at the PFDA Central Office Main Conference Room, Quezon City.
The assembly was called to present the CCPFDA's accomplishments for Corporate Social Responsibility, Audited Financial Reports, Budgetary Plans and Programs, and training attended by CCPFDA officers and members.
Earlier that day, the CCPFDA held a simultaneous election (physical and online voting) for new members of the CCPFDA Board of Directors and a new CCPFDA Auditor. The election was participated by cooperative members in PFDA – Navotas Fish Port Complex, PFDA – Lucena Fish Port Complex, PFDA – Bulan Fish Port Complex, PFDA – Camaligan Fish Port, PFDA – Tacloban City Fish Port, PFDA – Sual Fish Port, and PFDA – General Santos Fish Port Complex.
During the GA, the result of the election was announced. Ms. Melda G. Benevidez, Mr. Ernest Carlo DC. Garcia, Ms. Visitacion G. Abrenio, and Ms. Janet T. Manalo secured the Board of Directors positions. Meanwhile, Ms. Erikah Mae D. Hesarza assumed the position on the Audit Committee.
Subsequently, the GA answered all queries and suggestions from the CCPFDA members. In addition, the CCPFDA BOD encouraged all members to patronize the Cooperative's services to maintain a positive income and to achieve its goal of becoming a Multi-Purpose Cooperative soon.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division with reports from Ma. Arlyn Andagao – IAD)
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority – Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA-NFPC) conducted a training on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in a bid to improve cybersecurity awareness of port employees on March 14, 2023 at the PFDA-NFPC Multi-Purpose Room, Navotas City.
PFDA Information Technology Division Chief Mr. Thadeus A. Mariano served as the resource speaker for the one-day training. Mr. Mariano tackled three main topics including an introduction to cybersecurity awareness, ICT tools and prevention measures, and PFDA ICT Policies stated in the PFDA Office Order No. 04, series of 2024.
A total of 40 PFDA-NFPC employees actively participated during the one-day training session.
In November 2023, a three-day cybersecurity awareness campaign was also conducted by the PFDA-ITD to help the participants stay informed, alert, and proactive in protecting all digital assets of the PFDA. This campaign was attended by PFDA Central Office and PFDA Regional Fish Ports (RFP) personnel nationwide.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez - Public Information Division with report and photos from Jennylyn Co - PFDA-NFPC)
In celebration of the 2024 National Women’s Month, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), through the PFDA - Gender and Development Focal Point System (PFDA-GFPS), organized a Gender Sensitivity Orientation 2024 to boost women empowerment on March 15, 2024 at the PFDA Central Office Building, Quezon City.
This one-day activity is part of the PFDA’s month-long celebration of women that bears the recurring theme, “WE for gender equality and inclusive society” and sub-theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, patutunayan!”
PFDA-GFPS Overall Technical Working Group (TWG) Head and Operations Services Department (OSD) Officer-in-Charge Mr. Mc Christian Julius A. Macaranas II served as the resource speaker for the GSO.
Mr. Macaranas said that oversimplification of gender roles is the marginalization of the underrepresented and this can affect their rights and put them in future danger. He also said, “This gender sensitivity orientation may provide new information for everyone, but hopefully, this GSO can open a sense of curiosity and create a room for discussion about gender and development among your peers.”
“We can all start by being more critical with what is happening around us. And more importantly, let us treat everyone with kindness and respect,” Mr. Macaranas added.
Mr. Macaranas discussed various topics, such as the difference between sex and gender and the fundamentals of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sexual Characteristics (SOGIESC). The participants also had an in-depth discussion about gender stereotyping in various institutions and gender as a social construct.
Sixteen newly hired PFDA employees actively participated in the workshop about various ways to address gender-based stereotypes in the workplace and promote safe spaces for all.
Prior to this workshop, the PFDA-GFPS held a 2024 NWMC Film Showing where participants enjoyed an award-winning film that tackles unfair treatment of women in the workplace and gender-based violence. The movie also highlighted the capability of women to stand their ground and protect themselves from the harsh patriarchal society and unjust acts brought by toxic masculinity.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez - Public Information Division)
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