Published: 19 April 2022

Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) conducted an isDA ON THE GO (iOTG) partnership project orientation with Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)-registered cooperatives from Davao Region, Bohol, and Southern Leyte, via teleconference on April 19, 2022. 

The virtual orientation aims to expand the reach of the PFDA-CDA iOTG partnership project not only in Metro Manila but also in some parts of Visayas and Mindanao. 

Ms. Camille An I. Moog of PFDA – Operations Services Department led the presentation of the iOTG orientation. During the lecture, Ms. Moog discussed the program objectives and operation of iOTG. She also explained the project's business model, product lines (frozen fish and fresh fish), and distribution channels

Additionally, Ms. Moog presented the accomplishments and ways forward of the iOTG program, as well as the roles and responsibilities of PFDA and the CDA cooperatives once the partnership occurs.

To benefit from this partnership project between PFDA and CDA, cooperatives must adhere to several requirements and must achieve certain criteria. The CDA-certified cooperatives must: (1) sign a contract agreement with PFDA; (2) have at least 6 square meters of space; (3) can oversee and process point of sale purchases; (4) have the capacity for bookkeeping and asset inventory management; (5) have a minimum of three years in operation; (6) have a CDA Certificate of Good Standing; and (7) preferably with members from the marginalized sector.

During the open forum, Regional & Municipal Project Operations Division Chief Ms. Janet T. Manalo and Quality Assurance Division - OSD Officer-In-Charge Mr. Emilio Paul M. Candelaria responded to questions and concerns from the members of the cooperatives in the region. They guaranteed to all that the prices of fish sold through the iOTG program are cheaper than the prevailing market price. 

Moreover, Ms. Manalo and Mr. Candelaria explained to the participants that the project contract for the PFDA-CDA partnership may be enhanced to accommodate the geographical considerations of the intended partners. In addition, the PFDA team is looking at plans of creating a fish supply depot for cooperative partners in the Davao Region, Bohol, and Southern Leyte. 

Taking part in today’s activity were the PFDA Assistant General Manager Ms. Iris R. de Vera, CDA Board Member Assistant Secretary Virgilio R. Lazaga, PFDA – Navotas Fish Port Complex Port Manager Ms. Luz P. Ortiz, and staff and personnel from CDA, and members of the PFDA isDA ON THE GO Business Office (IBO). 

Some 60 representatives from various cooperatives in Davao Region, Bohol, and Southern Leyte actively participated in the orientation. 

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division)