Published: 05 July 2022

Fifteen cooperative beneficiaries have each received one top-of-the-line chest freezer under the isDA ON THE GO (iOTG) collaboration project of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) and Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) during the second batch of distribution to Metro Manila cooperatives, held at the CDA Grounds, Cubao, Quezon City, on June 27, 2022. 

This activity is part of the PFDA-CDA iOTG expansion plan to work with more cooperatives from various sectors in Metro Manila by providing chest freezers to cooperatives from various sectors. 

On behalf of PFDA General Manager Atty. Glen A. Pangapalan, PFDA Assistant General Manager Ms. Iris R. de Vera expressed her sincerest thanks to CDA Chairman Undersecretary Mr. Joseph B. Encabo and the entire CDA for this partnership. She said that the CDA has helped a lot in the PFDA’s goal to deliver the fish supply closer to the consuming public through the cooperatives. 

“With our growing effort to expand the iOTG program, this partnership with the CDA has played a significant part in this effort. Sisiguraduhin po namin na magtutuloy itong mag-prosper sa mga susunod pang mga taon. Rest assured that the PFDA will work hand in hand with you and ensure the efficiency of the program. We will continue to support you and we will do our best.” AGM de Vera said. 

Ms. de Vera also said that a program like this is one of the best steps to address the impending crisis and high commodity prices we are experiencing now. 

On the other hand, CDA Chairman USec. Encabo expressed his gratitude to the PFDA for partnering with the CDA. He said that this project is a call of the national government to have collaborative measures with other agencies to uplift the livelihood program of the cooperatives in the country, especially now that we are experiencing an economic crisis. 

“Hindi lang isda ang binigay ninyo [PFDA], kundi puso at buhay para sa kooperatiba… To our cooperatives, you are assured that the products na ibibigay ng PFDA sa inyo ay quality products… We are about to finish out first cycle of iOTG partnership. Sana kung sinuman ang susunod na administrasyon ng PFDA, tignan pa rin nila ang coop sector.” USec. Encabo said.

After their messages, representatives from the CDA-identified cooperatives signed a contract agreement with PFDA.

Sister Sharon Suralta of Pinag-isang Yaman Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PYMPC) in Las Piñas thanked the PFDA and CDA for the iOTG partnership. She said that being one of the chosen cooperatives is a great opportunity for their community and their cooperative.

“Malaki po ang magiging benefit nito sa community namin lalong lalo na po sa kooperatiba namin. Dahil sa murang price ng isda, marami pong matutulungan. Ang aming pong mga member ay ordinaryong mga housewife in our community kaya kayang-kaya po nila mabili iyong mga price. Maraming salamat po.” Sister Sharon expressed. 

Aside from PYMPC, among the coop-recipients were Ang Palengke MPC, Canossa Marikina Consumers Cooperative, Damata Kadima Sunrise View Housing Cooperative, Juan Transport Service Cooperative, Kasama Savings and Credit Cooperative, Kamay Krafts Cooperative, Manila International Airport TS & MPC, Market 3, 4 & 5 Fish Traders Consumers Cooperative, NAPICO MPC, NIA Central Office MPC, Northville II MPC, Poverello Consumers Cooperative, Sun Valley MPC, and Tagumpay at Asenso MPC. 

Members of the CDA Board of Directors were present during the event. Regional & Municipal Project Operations Division Chief Ms. Janet T. Manalo, PFDA – Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA-NFPC) Port Manager Ms. Luz P. Ortiz, and other members of the iOTG team in PFDA-NFPC and Central Office were also present in the activity. 

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division)