Published: 15 August 2023

In concurrence with its 47th-anniversary celebration, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) – Central Office (CO) conducted a historic groundbreaking and capsule-laying ceremony for the soon-to-rise PFDA-CO building at the PFDA – Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA-NFPC), Navotas City on August 14, 2023.

During his opening message, PFDA Acting General Manager Atty. Glen A. Pangapalan expressed his utmost gratitude to the national government for supporting this plan for the PFDA-CO to finally have its own building site. He also thanked the Local Government Unit of Navotas City, led by Mayor John Reynald “John Rey” M. Tiangco, for their unceasing and all-out support.

“Hopefully matapos kaagad ang ating Central Office nang sa gayon ay maging mas maayos pa ang pagbibigay serbisyo ng ating mga kawani sa PFDA. Sana tuloy-tuloy ang ating aspiration at ating pagpupunyagi na lagi nating mabigyan ng tamang serbisyo ang mangingisdang Pilipino at ang mga konsyumer na Pilipino na umaasa sa PFDA,” GM Pangapalan said.

In addition, Mayor John Rey M. Tiangco greeted the PFDA for celebrating 47 years of assisting our Filipino fisherfolk and industry partners nationwide. Mayor Tiangco congratulated the PFDA-CO for finally having a permanent location in Navotas City.

“After 47 years, natutuwa tayo na ngayon ay may permanente na kayong tahanan dito sa Navotas City. Kapag nagtatayo tayo ng bagong opisina, gusto rin natin ng mas magandang serbisyo para sa ating mga mangangalakal at mas conducive sa pagtatrabaho ng ating mga empleyado,” Mayor Tiangco said.

Meanwhile, PFDA Technical Services Department Engr. Danilo A. Axalan presented a project brief for the soon-to-rise Central Office building. Engr. Axalan said that the building will be a first-class four-storey building with a 1000-square-meter floor size which will house all the departments of the Central Office. In addition, the design concept of the building reflects our seas and ocean waves, while the canopy from the top view resembles tuna panga, and the two sides feature the tail and scales of a fish.

“Other salient areas of our new building include an area for our concessionaires on the ground floor. We will also provide a transient area for our visiting employees from Regional Fish Ports. Magkakaroon din tayo ng recreation area wherein doon na natin pwedeng i-conduct ang ating mga activities like anniversaries and various events,” Engr. Axalan said.

Afterward, all PFDA-CO Department Managers, PFDA-NFPC Port Manager Ms. Luz P. Ortiz, and PFDA Assistant General Manager Ms. Iris R. de Vera joined GM Pangapalan and Mayor Tiangco for the unveiling and capsule-laying of the PFDA-CO building perspective.

Public Information Division Chief Mr. Mc Christian Julius A. Macaranas II hosted the historic occasion.

(Mark Angelo N. Perez with photos from Johnny A. Basamot, Paul Vincent R. del Rosario, and Miguel M. Pilarta)