It is prime time for PFDA.

The agency joined the likes of B a n g k o S e n t r a l n g P i l i p i n a s , Development Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines, National Power Corporation, and Philippine Ports Authority, as select government-owned and controlled corporations that were conferred Level II-accredited status under the Civil Service Commission's (CSC’s) Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM).

Through the PRIME-HRM, the CSC i n c e n t i v i z e s g o v e r n m e n t instrumentalit ies to innovate HR practices and enhance personnel mechanisms.

PFDA earned the distinction as one of only 16 GOCCs (out of as many as 120 in the public service) that met the PRIME-HRM requirements for Level II-accredited status.

General Manager Eduardo M. Chu received on behalf of the organization the Certificate of Accreditation during the event dubbed “Let's Talk 3: Celebrating Milestones,” hosted at the Luxent Hotel, Quezon City on March 27, 2014. CSC Chair Francisco T. Duque III and Commissioners Robert S. Martinez and Nieves L. Osorio graced the awarding ceremony to honor the contributions of key players in pursuing the major programs and initiatives of the Commission.

Works Like a Charm

Under the leadership of Administrative Services Department Manager Marietta N. Albano and HR Division Chief Cecile B. Panaligan, the agency's HRM programs, mechanisms and personnel officer competencies proved to be on par with those of the aforementioned GOCCs per assessment conducted by the Commission on November 28-29, 2013 through a team of HR specialists.

Said assessment was undertaken as part of the Comprehensive HRM Assistance, Review and Monitoring (CHARM) component of PRIME-HRM. The CSC-NCR team scrutinized the HRM records management capabilities of the agency and appraised its existing

Vol. 2, No. 1 - 2014

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

PR IMET IMEPFDA Level II accreditation affirmed by CSC

HRM systems and programs, including the consolidated policies and guidelines on appointments, attendance, performance management, awards and incentives, training and staff development, and grievance machinery.

As part of the validation process, the CHARM group led by Director Dick N. Echavez also interviewed HRM officers and incumbent members of the present personnel affairs committees, as well as representatives of the middle management, rank-and-file employees and the accredited employees' association.

After rigorous evaluation, the Commission determined that the agency remains compliant with the Level II Accreditation prerequisites. Consequently, this recognition empowers PFDA to take final action on appointments, subject to Civil Service Law, rules and regulations. The authority essentially enables the agency to augment its manpower capacity with greater efficiency to respond to its immediate needs.

To the Next Level

Prior to the introduction of PRIME-HRM, PFDA has been considered as an accredited organization under the erstwhile Personnel Management Assessment and Assistance Program (PMAAP) and the CSC Agency Accreditation Program (CSCAAP). The agency, having qualified directly for Level II status in 1995, is not subjected to regular and close monitoring and assistance by the Primetime to page 7

PRIVILEGE. On behalf of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, General ManagerEduardo M. Chu receives the Certificate of Accreditation from CSC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III.

GSFPC increases revenues in 2013,welcomes 2014 with positive outlook

PCA Annex Building I, Elliptical RoadDiliman, Quezon City

www.pfda.gov.ph 925-61-46

Vol. 2, No. 1 - 2014

EDITORIAL STAFFGeneral ManagerEduardo M. Chu

Assistant General ManagerRodrigo A. Jimenez

Editor/WriterGirlie R. Hilario

Writers/Reporters

Ma. Aurora C. AtanacioMaria Theresa V. Francisco

Maria Beatriz L. Uy

ContributorsVanessa Carla J. Lagdameo

Jose R. Ruiz III

Layout/Graphics ArtistAli-Jim P. Subang

PhotographerJohnny A. Basamot

Circulation OfficerRomy T. Tindugan

Camaligan Fish PortJoycelyn B. Dela Torre

Davao Fish Port ComplexChristine Angelique F. Bisquera

General Santos FishPort ComplexFritzie V. Leviste

Iloilo Fish Port ComplexJusto S. Anaquita, Jr.

Navotas Fish Port Complex Luz P. Ortiz

Cerespink A. Aguila Nasil A. Abdul

Zamboanga Fish Port ComplexStephen E. Sustento

Lucena Fish Port ComplexDiego S. Plata

Sual Fish PortRomulo R. Adviento

General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC) posted a productive 2013 due to a dynamic fishing industry which brought about new clients and new markets.

A pro-active management under Port Manager Edwin B. Maliwat intensified collection and initiated marketing schemes. Utilization of major facilities increased from 58.5% in 2012 to 69.3% in 2013. Likewise, collection efficiency improved at 82.6% and operating ratio is equitable at 70.87%. GSFPC had a net income of P41.2 M for 2013.

A resilient industry especially in the canning sector is still projected in 2014 as well as a robust showing from the municipal fishery catering to the domestic markets. They have been putting up steady statistics through the years. GSFPC expects utilization to increase with new rehabilitated facilities like the ice making units, bañera enclosures, weighbridge, among others. Allocating some bays of Market Hall IV to overland suppliers is foreseen not only to decongest other market halls but to generate interest among buyers in this area; thus, distributing trading across the port.

Exploring other markets in agriculture such as meat and poultry has also been in the works and GSFPC is looking into the conversion of some bays at Market Hall IV for compartmentalized cold storages to cater to a diversified agricultural demand.

For 2014, GSFPC's direction is delivery of fast and quality service, pursuing opportunities by strengthening linkages among the industry players and other government agencies, and fortifying food safety policies in line with a more stringent and demanding world market.

With the completion of the Rehabilitation of the Waste Water Treatment Plant Nos. 1 and 2, and the issuance of Department of Environment and Natural Resources Hazardous Waste Generators Registration Certificate, GSFPC is optimistic that food safety policies are being strengthened . (Fritzie V. Leviste)

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 2

Postscript: More good news in GSFPC as it welcomes six new hires to its fold and the promotion of four personnel: Engr. Nelson P. Antonio to Engr. IV, Jovy M. Garrido to Fishery Market Operations Supervisor IV, Paris U.Y. Ayon to Quality Assurance/Control Officer, Ma. Alma V. Caseñas to Fishery Market Operations Officer III, Dexter Marion T. Velayo to Supply Officer I and Ronnie H. Cea to Harbor Operations Assistant. Congratulations!

FISH TRADING. The income generated from the market facilities of the General Santos Fish Port Complex contributes to the revenue of the port. Unloading and marketing of marine products catering to both local and foreign markets are held in the GSFPC’s market facility. Photo below shows the registration certificate of the port.

PID CORRESPONDENTS

Associate Editor/WriterAmber-Lyn M. Alonzo

A i m e d t o s t r e n g t h e n partnership and bring closer the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority's (PFDA) plans and programs to the various clientele of the Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC) to create a common vision, a series of stakeholders m e e t i n g s o f a l l m a r k e t participants was conducted early this year.

Stakeholder management has long been recognized as a central part of an organization's effectiveness. The PFDA believes that stakeholders play important roles as advocates, sponsors, partners and agents of change contributing to the over-all good performance of the NFPC.

PFDA's General Manager Eduardo M. Chu, NFPC Port Manager Miguel B. Lamberte, Jr., and Luz P. Ortiz, Officer-in-Charge of Market Operations Division, spearheaded the said activity. Engr. Romeo S. Dabu of the Port Maintenance Division as well as the market supervisors were also present during the meetings.

Approximately, 600 market participants representing the market stall lessees, food vendors, small-value fish processors, and other business operators within the market areas attended the meetings.

In 2013, an estimate of P11 M or about 6% of the total earnings of

NFPC gathers stakeholders for partnership

To encourage more investment ventures in the Provinces of Iloilo and Guimaras, the Iloilo City Trade and Investment Promotion Board, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), initiated the conduct of an investors’ forum dubbed as: Iloilo Business Forum 2014.

This investment undertaking was held on March 12, 2014 in Hotel Intercontinental, Makati City. The one-day event was attended by around 250 delegates, composed of project proponents, support staffs and representatives from Iloilo, Guimaras and the business sector in Metro Manila.

The forum's objectives were to draw more than a hundred investors and realize a significant number of exploratory commitments or agreements.

The heart of the forum was the Business Matching and Networking segment where proponents and investors could interact, explore investment possibilities, and establish a network for subsequent refinements of the elements and aspects of the proposals geared towards their finalization and realization.

The Iloilo Fish Port Complex (IFPC) management showcased

the NFPC came from this sector.

The market participants were grateful that they were able to express their issues and concerns directly to the top management of the PFDA. GM Chu and PM Lamberte were always in the forefront to give insights on and solutions to the problems aired by the market participants.

The significant accom-plishment of the meetings was the proposed relocation of food

vendors operating within the fish trading halls.

The legitimate market lessees had been clamoring for the solution to this problem which affects their day and night fish trading activities inside the market halls. To provide a remedy to the problem, the NFPC management proposed to construct food service stations outside the fish trading area.

By this action, GM Chu and PM Lamberte hope to decongest the fish trading halls and contribute to a better and more organized marketplace for the convenience of all clientele.

Finally, the series of meetings resulted to the renewal of contracts, permit to conduct business, and accreditation of new clients. (Nashi Abdul)

in its booth two project proposals seeking private investment fund sources:

1. Establishment of IFPC Fish Canning Facility (Project Cost: P20 M)

The project is a horizontally-integrated facility to complement the existing processing plant (of limited capacity). Medium to high value fishery product output of the processing plant will be tapped for value-adding processes.

IFPC joins gov’tIFPC joins gov’tbusiness forumbusiness forumIFPC joins gov’tbusiness forum

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Q&A. Ms. Luz P. Ortiz (on white shirt) serves as the mediator of the meeting’s open forum which aims to get inputs from the stakeholders.

IFPC MEANS BUSINESS. Mr. Justo S. Anaquita, Jr. (second from left) and Engr. Elmer B. Figuracion (right) of the Iloilo Fish Port Complex represent the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority during the Iloilo Business Forum at the Hotel Intercontinental.

IFPC business forum to page 7

3

Guidelines and procedures on the handling and processing of incoming and outgoing documents in the Central Office were recently revised through Office Order No. 11 series of 2013. The revision was spearheaded by the General Services Division-Records Section of the Administrative Services Department (GSD-RS/ASD). An extensive review of the present document handling and tracking system was conducted with the department managers and unit heads to establish a new and more responsive system that will expedite the flow of incoming and outgoing documents in the Central Office.

This office order prescribes that the GSD-Records will take charge of the receiving to distribution of documents to be able to track the location and time of document processing and response. GSD came up with flowcharts specifically for: (1) internal documents – regional and municipal ports and Ice plant and cold storages; and (2) external documents – other government agencies, private companies and individuals.

Receiving and distribution of documents from regional fish ports/operat ing uni ts, personal let ters and other wr i t ten communications shall be centralized at the GSD-Records, while mailing of documents to the regional fish ports/operating units shall be coursed through the Operations Services Department (OSD). On the other hand, mailing or hand carrying of documents to other government or private offices/individuals will be handled by GSD-Records. The outgoing documents intended for either the OSD or GSD should be submitted one day in advance of intended delivery date.

As a general rule, all documents shall be addressed to the General Manager through the Assistant General Manager and the concerned Department Manager/Unit Head of the Central Office.

Further, all incoming documents shall be acted upon by the concerned unit within 15 working days unless there is a specific deadline stated in the documents. With the implementation of this system, lost and off-track documents will be avoided. (Tess Francisco)

ASD-GSD enhances doc routing process

CCPFDA holds GA, elections 2014

members proposed conducting a further study on the effects of the increase on the CCPFDA, particularly if this will entail tax responsibilities on the parts of both the cooperative and the members.

CCPFDA Vice Chairman Francisco Romeo Escandor Jr. informed the body that upon clarification from the Credit Development Authority (CDA), they were told that the CDA holds no record of any cooperative being subjected to tax charges. He added that there are even cooperatives in the National Capital Region that have more than a billion of authorized capital but are not liable to taxes.

The increase on share capital was approved by majority of the members during the general assembly as this will project a better system which will address the members' needs by accommodating

Coop share capital continues to grow

ALL-IN. The suggestion of majority of the members for a further study on increasing the authorized capital during the special general assembly (GA) held on October 25, 2013 at the Navotas Fish Port Complex was addressed during the regular GA in February 2014. Photo was taken during the special GA with then Cooperative Chairman Teodoro J. Cruz (left) serving as one of the speakers.

CCPFDA GA to page 8

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY4

In accordance to collective efforts for the progress of the cooperative, the Credit Cooperative of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (CCPFDA) held its yearly general assembly at the PFDA Central Office last February 2014 wherein members were given the opportunity to voice out their issues and concerns.

Whereas the CCPFDA's general assemblies are conducted to primarily present to the members the accomplishments of the cooperative including its financial operations and condition, this year's general assembly mainly aimed at having the members approve/disapprove the proposed increase on the cooperative's authorized share capital which now exceeds the authorized share by P2 million—having a total of P17 million share capital over the authorized capital of only P15 million.

This was already brought up during the special general assembly held on October 25, 2013 but was put on hold as the

GENSAN port gives back to community “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously…” (Romans 12:6-8)

Each and every one of us has something to offer: money and time to charity; friendship to the sick or lonely; volunteer work; unselfish time to our spouse, children or parents; a service-oriented occupation, or we may just do our everyday jobs with integrity and respect for others. The Bible tells us to give generously to those in need, and good things will come to us in turn. We are not meant to live hard-hearted or self-centered lives. Rather, we should share whatever wealth, abilities and blessings we have, no matter how small the amount is.

General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC) has been very blessed in 2013. All the hard work and best efforts were rewarded with a productive year and what better way to end that year but with a celebration of giving!

GSFPC Port Manager Edwin B. Maliwat advocated the idea of “thanksgiving for a cause” for GSFPC's year-end activity to benefit the families of Purok Sta. Gemma, Brgy. Tambler, an adopted community of the GSFPC Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative. Ten families were selected to be guests at GSFPC's “Thanksgiving Party for a Cause” and recipients of gift packs and prizes.

Towards the end of last year, some 50 men, women and children from Purok St. Gemma started arriving. Parlor games were organized for both children and adults. GSFPC employees actively teamed-up with the participants in the games. Prizes, which were mostly for children, were prepared beforehand by the staff coming from the Office of the Port Manager and Administration Services Division. During the awarding of the prizes, the children's happiness and excitement were palpable.

Sumptuous dinner was also served which was shared by the

special guests from Sta. Gemma, GSFPC staff and other visitors. A candle-lit prayer of thanksgiving and praise was offered before everyone partook of the meal.

Performances were presented by the different divisions. The guests enjoyed an array of entertainment in the form of old ballads, romantic duets, cheerful chorus to upbeat, electrifying dance numbers. It was truly a festive celebration---- an extraordinary year-ender!

The best part of the night, and the most awaited, was the giving away of the gifts for each family. Grocery items, rice, biscuits and candies for the children and special pieces of ham were gift-wrapped especially for the selected Sta. Gemma families.

Like all charitable stories, GSFPC's event ended with that heart-warming sensation and a wholly good feeling when the families received their gifts with that glow of joyful appreciation.

Whatever gifts we have been given -- large or small -- we should share generously. When we do, we make the world better for someone else and find true meaning and satisfaction in our own lives Truly, for GSFPC, it was a time to celebrate the joy of giving.

(Fritzie Leviste)

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY5

The year 2014 is a transitionary period for Philippine Fisheries Development Authority-Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC), as its Port Manager Tito C. Cosejo announced his retirement late last year. With the problems the port is facing, this will be a challenge to the incoming Officer-in-Charge Romeo C. Makinano.

To make PM Cosejo’s retirement a memorable one, ZFPC employees initiated a 3-day despedida trip to Camiguin with PM Cosejo, that was indeed a great travel and a treasured memory to linger on the minds of the port employees.

Although Engr. Cosejo's official retirement date was January 4, 2014, the formal turn-over of the Port to its Officer-in-Charge Romeo C. Makinano was on December 10, 2013 in the presence of General Manager Eduardo M. Chu, Technical Services Department Manager Rodrigo M. Bulaon and Davao Fish Port Complex Manager Mario M. Malinao.

As Mr. Romeo C. Makinano, Sir Maki as he is called, sat as the OIC of ZFPC, there were lots of issues and concerns that he immediately encountered; one of which is the Fisheries A d m i n i s t r a t i v e O r d e r implementing the banning of Danish Seine (Holbot-Hulbot) o p e r a t i o n s d u e t o i t s destructive nature of fishing method. Although BFAR's initiative is to preserve the M a r i n e L i f e / E c o s y s t e m , banning of the Danish Seine vessels will greatly affect the port's revenue since more or less 70% of its source of income at the HMOD comes from these vessels. It's like cutting the leg of an athlete, yet he is still bound to compete

ZFPC's transition period: A challengingendeavor for OIC

and expected to perform his best to win. Another concern is the peace and order situation within the area which is virtually one of the reasons why investors are very hesitant to invest in ZFPC - the Zamboanga Siege last September of 2013 and the grenade blast incident which was deliberately intended for the ZFPC employees inside the ZFPC service bus which occurred last July 1, 2013. These are just some of the factors which give a negative image on the peace and order situation in the area. Presently, some clients have transferred their processing areas to other sites where they believe are more favorable to invest in and this also affects the revenue status of the port. With the tribulations ZFPC is encountering, it is quite a challenge for the OIC, in collaboration with the ZFPC family, to find ways to remedy the situations for the port's existence. ZFPC has its fair share of ups and downs, and it was able to withstand, outlive, outwit and survive the “test of Father time.” With a little leap of faith, a dash of hope plus diligence and determination of its employees, PFDA-ZFPC will boldly face and endure the challenges of the vast unknown future. (Steve Sustento)

A GOODBYE FOR NOW. The employees of the Zamboanga Fish Port Complex organize a three-day ‘despedida’ party for Engr. Tito C. Cosejo (on blue striped polo shirt) in Camiguin Island in January 2014.

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY6

2. Establishment of IFPC Fish Processing Plant (Project Cost: P50 M)

The project intends to supplement the limited capacity of the existing one. It is in response to the promising aqua-culture potential of the province where it has not been maximized as yet.

Engr. Elmer B. Figuracion and Dr. Justo S. Anaquita, Jr. represented the lone fish port complex in the Visayas. They responded to queries and presented the investment opportunities at the fish port to prospective investors and interested parties.

The business forum served as one of the avenues for the port management's over-all efforts to raise port utilization rate with the end in view of increasing revenues vital to operations. (Justo Anaquita, Jr.)

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

IFPC business forum from page 3

BUSINESS NETWORKING. Ms. Girlie G. Hilario (second from right), Chief of the Public Information Division, and Information Officer Ma. Aurora C. Atanacio (second from left) with Dr. Justo S. Anaquita (left), Engr. Elmer B. Figuracion (right) and Ms. Luisa B. Soriano (third from left) take the opportunity to promote services of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority at the business forum.

7

TEAM EFFORT. The Administrative Services Department with its Manager Marietta N. Albano (fourth from left) appreciates all the contributions of the agency’s employees. Photo taken during a Monday flag ceremony in April 2014.

Plan and by adopting a competency-based approach in theacquisition, retention, development and management of HR.

These steps are being taken in anticipation of the higher standards for public service in view of the upcoming Association of South Eeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification requirements, and the implementation of the Strategic Performance Management System and the Revised Compensation and Position Classification System.

With these challenges on the horizon, a management receptive to innovations in the field of HRM and personnel units competent to adapt to these changes will be necessary. The CSC accreditation achievement reflects the collective effort between these two forces, and a significant step that proves that together, PFDA is indeed ready for prime time. (Thirdy Ruiz)

subjected to regular and close monitoring and assistance by the Commission in HR areas of concern as compared to Level I - regulated GOCCs.

With the recent developments, PFDA is encouraged to aim for Level III - deregulated status. Aside from having authority to take final action on appointments, Level III agencies may implement HR programs and systems without the need for prior CSC approval.

This organization is definitely not resting on its laurels - attaining the next level will require consistent adherence to the terms and conditions of the Level II accreditation and readiness to respond to developments affecting the realm of HR.

The agency is already preparing plans and programs in furtherance of the thrust to maintain its Level II accreditation, or even exceed it, with the crafting of the Agency Strategic Human Resource

Primetime from page 1

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) turned over its water distribution system in Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC) to Maynilad Water Services, Inc. in a Memorandum of Agreement executed by the parties last January 2014.

Eduardo M. Chu, PFDA General Manager, and Herbert M. Consunji, MAYNILAD Chief Operating Officer, represented their respective agencies during the contract signing at the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) compound, Katipunan Road, Balara, Quezon City.

The agreement grants Maynilad the exclusive right to operate, maintain and rehabilitate, as may be necessary, the NFPC water distribution system.

This undertaking will eventually redound to the benefit of NFPC's industrial and commercial locators who will be granted access to continuous supply of potable water through individual water service connections based on the more affordable MWSS Regulatory Office - approved rates. (Vanessa Carla J. Lagdameo)

more number of processed loans. However, Aerol Bryan Daquer, CCPFDA Credit Committee Chair, explicated that the maximum amount of a member's capital buildup and capital share remains to be P5,000.00 per month and P250,000.00, respectively.

Meanwhile, the elections for the Audit and Election Committees, and two members of the Board of Directors (BOD) were likewise held on the same day, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the PFDA Central Office and six fish ports, that have employees as cooperative members, namely: (1) Navotas Fish Port Complex, (2) General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC), (3) Lucena Fish Port Complex, (4) Camaligan Fish Port, (5) Sual Fish Port and (6) Infanta Municipal Fish Port.

On March 11, 2014, the CCPFDA Election Committee released the official tabulations resulting to the highest number of votes acquired by GSFPC Port Manager Edwin Maliwat with a total number of 116 votes, and a tie, with 106 votes, between BOD candidates Henry Umil and Rodora Mendoza.

The Election Committee (composed of Danilo Axalan as Chairman, Ferdinand Jacob as Vice Chairman and Elizabeth Jaffal as Secretary) proposed power/term sharing which Umil and Mendoza agreed to exercise—Mendoza's term to start from March 2014 and end in February 2015, and Umil's term in March 2015 to February 2016.

On the other hand, sole candidate Elena Ang as auditor got a total number of 209 votes; while Gina Reyes, Salvacion Ban and Nancy Lynn Estoesta of Central Office were elected as members of the Election Committee with 148, 147 and 132 number of votes respectively. (Amber Alonzo)

MOA SIGNING. (Top photo) Maynilad Water Services, Inc. C h i e f O p e r a t i n g O f fi c e r Herbert M. Consunji and P h i l i p p i n e F i s h e r i e s Development Authority (PFDA) General Manager Eduardo M. Chu represent Maynilad and PFDA, respectively. Navotas Fish Port Complex Manager Miguel B. Lamberte, Jr. (on left photo) is also one of the signatories of the agreement.

CCPFDA GA from page 4

PFDA, Maynilad sign watersupply system pact

8

ELECTION. The officers of the Credit Cooperative of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority are hands-off on all the cooperative’s election activities and also call for a voting system in forming an Election Committee.

FOR GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS. Formed by 10,000 participants, the women’s human symbol was set to be part of the world record and to symbolize women’s empowerment in nation building. (Photo from the Philippine Daily Inquirer)

PCW Executive Director Emmeline L. Verzosa emphasized in her message that women's resilience is not limited to being strong, but also in how “Juanas” embody optimism, patience, fortitude, and compassion for others.

Another activity that contributed to the meaningful celebration of the Women's Month was the visit to the Violence Against Women & Children (VAWC) desk at Barangay U.P. Campus in Diliman, Quezon City. The TWG Central Office and NFPC Focal Point Persons were briefed by the Project Coordinator of the Family and Community Healing Center (FCHC), some Counselors and Visitor Information Personnel. The FCHC, which aims to address VAWC related issues and problems in the community and to mobilize community support for both preventive and rehabilitative services, is a pilot project of Brgy. UP Campus. It provides counseling to individuals and families who have been victims of abuse, especially women who have been abused in any form and any aspect – physical, psychological, sexual, emotional and economic. Its programs and services include one-on-one counseling; referral services; follow-up and monitoring of survivors; community area visitation; conduct of seminars and livelihood trainings and networking and alliance building.

The visit was an eye-opener to the members of the CO-TWG and NFPC GFPS since such cases against women and children could be happening inside the port. PFDA GAD advocates should become more diligent and determined to find out if this kind of program needs to be duplicated there. (with reports from Aurora Atanacio)

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY9GAD from page 10

EMPOWERED WOMEN. Above photos show the participation of the employees of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority Central Office and Navotas Fish Port Complex in the Women’s Month Celebration held at the Quirino Grandstand on March 8, 2014.

was promulgated. The GAD Focal Point Systems of the Central Office and the Regional Ports shall lead in the mainstreaming of gender concerns in the program/activities/projects of PFDA. They shall also coordinate the preparation of the agency's annual GAD Plan and Budget (GPB) as well as monitor its implementation and report on its accomplishments. Technical assistance shall also be provided to the divisions or departments that will be ass igned to implement gender mainstreaming. Capacity building trainings shall likewise be conducted to develop the skills of employees who shall be at the forefront of the mainstreaming efforts.

Meanwhile, March of every year is celebrated as National Women's Month in the country as mandated by Republic Act No. 6949 and Proclamation Nos. 224 and 227, series of 1988. This year's theme, “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong,” aims to recognize women's resiliency, strength and contribution to progress. For this year's celebration, PFDA participated in the kick-off activity at the Quezon City Hall on March 3. Likewise, a convergence at the Quirino Grandstand of an estimated 10,000 participants from different government agencies, NGO's, state colleges and universities, and other civil society groups paved the way for the Women's Human Symbol Formation to set a world record of the world's most participated women symbol forming. It is said to be a symbolic kick-off activity to celebrate women's resilience and strength; women's various roles in nation-building; and their untiring participation as volunteers in times of disasters, confl icts, calamity and any other situations.

Corner

Gender and

Development

Management strengthens PFDA GAD-FPS

the Material Recovery Facility of the Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC) as they are not in line with the main objectives of GAD. To replace the latter project, NFPC requested for the construction of public restrooms near the market halls. A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted to gather data for the justification of this replacement.

Ms. Umali briefed the members of the CO-TWG and NFPC-GFPS on how to conduct an FGD. A set of pre-determined questions was prepared and reviewed prior to the FGD to contextualize the would-be response of the port clients. Led by Ms. Luz P. Ortiz of NFPC, the group conducted the FGD among 50 port clients who were likely to use the public restrooms. A synthesis report, after the discussion, was made to form part of the 2014 GAD plan and budget in justification of the restroom construction project.

Further, the CO-GFPS initiated the development of a GAD database in the Central Office and among the fish ports as directed by the Magna Carta of Women. The objective of this initiative is to ensure that sex-disaggregated data are gathered and regularly updated to serve as inputs or bases for planning, programming and policy formulation. This activity is also one of the major targets in the 2014 GAD Plan & Budget which was endorsed by the PCW to the DBM. All regional ports through their GAD Focal Point Systems and Planning Officers are required to incorporate the data on top of the monthly statistics (number of Clients Served for the Month) that are

submitted to the CPMISD. These data will be used by the CO-TWG in its initial step in e s t a b l i s h i n g t h e G A D database.

To remedy the negative response of PFDA employees during the training on Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) on the question: Has your agency issued clear policies in support of GAD activities?, Office Order No.04 series of 2014 regarding the Adopt ion o f Gender Mainstreaming Policy as one of the priority initiatives of PFDA was promulgated. The GAD

The year 2014 started with a call to strengthen the agency's Gender and Development Focal Point System (GAD-FPS) by reconstituting the GFPS-Technical Working Group in the Central Office. Primarily, the new TWG will review PFDA policies, guidelines, systems and procedures, programs and projects to mainstream and incorporate gender and development in all PFDA activities and operations. It will also facilitate and spearhead the implementation of the mainstreaming program that will be formulated afterwards.

As a result of the reconstitution, Mr. Francisco Romeo G. Escandor of the Operations Services Department was designated as the Overall Head of the TWG. The group, on the other hand, was divided into two committees, namely: (1) Committee on Policy Formulation, Project Mainstreaming, Planning and Budgeting; and (2) Committee on Advocacy, Linkages and Capacity Building. The tasks of the TWG are crucial to the required implementation of GAD projects and programs. To guide and mentor the members of the PFDA-GFPS, the agency engaged the services of a GAD technical adviser, Ms. Lorenza A. Umali, who had been a resource speaker on GAD-related in-house trainings.

The combined efforts of the TWG and Ms. Umali resulted to the accomplishment of major GAD activities of PFDA such as: 1) submission of 2013 Accomplishment Report and 2015 GAD Plan and Budget to concerned government agencies; 2) consolidation and enhancement of 2014 GAD Plan and Budget; 3) conduct of capacity-building sessions among the members of the TWG-Central Office; and 4) clear understanding of PFDA's role stipulated in Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women (MCW).

During the Annual Planning Workshop held on February 3-5, 2014, the CY 2014 and CY 2015 GAD Plans & Budget were presented by the TWG to the PFDA's Officers and Planning staff to increase their awareness on the GAD activities that were approved by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) to be implemented for the said years. Some activities, however, were not considered by PCW; these are the wellness program of the Central Office and

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

INFORMATION ASSESSMENT. The Technical Working Group of the PFDA Gender and Development Focal Point System holds a focus group discussion on the need to construct public restrooms for men and women at the Navotas Fish Port Complex. GAD to page 9

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