Vol. 2, No. 2 - 2014

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

PFDA supports DA Halal dev't plan

The PFDA is one with the Department of Agriculture (DA) in promoting the Halal Food Industry. Recently, General Manager Eduardo M. Chu issued Memorandum Order No. 03-02 series of 2014 which designates Davao Fish Port Complex (DFPC) Manager Mario M. Malinao as Halal focal person for the office. The designation is in response to DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala’s memorandum informing concerned DA officials that the department has revived the Halal Technical Working Group (TWG). The objectives of this program are: (1) to make available locally-produced agri-fishery food products for the local Muslin population; and (2) to support export initiatives for Halal food to countries requiring Halal-certified products.

Coupled with the designation of PFDA Halal focal person was also the directive to include activities that will incorporate Halal guideline/principles in the regular operations of PFDA where appropriate; to earmark funds for Halal initiatives in the 2015 agency budget; and to submit proposals for Halal production activities that may be funded under PL 480 (Public Law 480, also known as "Food for Peace," is a funding avenue by which US food can be used for Overseas Aid; also known as the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act. This was enacted in 1954 in line with the US Policy of using its agricultural productivity to enhance the food security of developing countries and the determination of the importing country's capacity (Philippines) of improving its food security or other possible funding windows. Halal on page 4

Mr. Malinao shall coordinate with all agencies and officials of the DA to undertake actions and work plans necessary to achieve the objectives of the Halal Development Plan within the mandate of the PFDA. Halal foods are food that Muslims are allowed to eat or drink under Islamic Shari-ah. Viewed as a Muslim practice and way of life, Halal specifies both what food are allowed to be eaten by the Muslim faithful, and how the food must be prepared. Agriculture and fishery-based food products processed or prepared using Halal offer significant export potential to Muslim countries that require Halal certification for food items and products that are exported to them. Halal fishery products are particularly economically valuable in this regard, owing to their significance as healthy food with lucrative tropical status. In agri-fishery products, Halal requires that the food must come from a supplier that uses Halal practices. Specifically, the slaughter must be performed by a Muslim, who must precede the slaughter by invoking the name of Allah, most commonly by saying “Bismillah” (in the name of God) and then three times “Allahuakbar” (God is the greatest). Then, the animal must be slaughtered with a sharp knife by cutting the throat, windpipe and the blood vessels in the neck (while the animal is conscious), causing the animal’s death without cutting the spinal cord. Lastly, the blood from the veins must be drained. Similarly, Halal needs to be practiced for animal by-products and processed fish that are used for both and non-food products such as pharmaceuticals.

HALAL FOODHALAL FOOD

HANDS-ON. Upon the assignment of General Manager Eduardo M. Chu (left) to Port Manager Mario M. Malinao (right) to be the Halal focal person, PM Malinao initiates coordination with the Department of Agriculture in Davao City for the conduct of meetings for the Halal Developmnent Plan.

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” (William Arthur Ward)

Philippine Fisheries Development Authority-Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC) was a growing operating unit during its glory days; basked under the touch of King Midas, enveloped in grandeur; until it took a turn… a turn that changed its course and ZFPC is being tested once more.

Amidst the issues concerning the fish port; the banning of the Danish Seine, the foreclosure of stalls, clients' businesses, and the unpleasant security conditions; ZFPC proved that it can withstand any unforeseeable squall.

The banning of the Danish Seine caused a great deal of fluctuation in the port's income since most traders and processors were dependents on the Danish Seine for fish supply. Thus, the ZFPC Marketing team looked for other alternatives by reaching out to potential fishery and non-fishery income-generating clients. Marketing of ice produce to outside buyers was also started.

Focusing on the accreditation of private ports, two private ports were accredited last year and two—Big Fish Corporation and Permex Corporation—are on the process of being accredited at present.

The future of ZFPC is promising despite all these unfortunate conditions. A couple of big companies have shown interest on leasing the shipway facilities and are willing to invest money for their rehabilitation.

“Zamboanga is a beauty in diversity” and once can see such beauty of mixed cultures and diverse tribes inside the Zamboanga Fish Port Complex. With the abled leadership of Officer-in-Charge Romeo C. Makinano, the participation and cooperation of ZFPC personnel, despite the ethnicity, are being harnessed to make the fish port the ZFPC it used to be… generating income and utilizing its facilities to the fullest.

On the light side, efforts for excellence of the fish port personnel are not only manifested in the conduct of their work, but in other aspects as well. Ma. Gilda F. Tumbo, Lorena B. Salisali, Arcelita B. Balajula and Tita A. Ligaton bagged the championship title in badminton and dart (women's category) during the Department of Agriculture's anniversary celebration held last June 23, 2014.

Accepting the change, moving forward, doing its excellent best… these are the factors that make ZFPC thriving and surviving. (Stephen Sustento)

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 2

The PFDA Fishmail is the official newsletter of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority-Public Information Division. It is published quarterly. Editorial contributions may be sent to pid.pfda@yahoo.com.ph.

PID CORRESPONDENTS

Joycelyn B. Dela TorreCamaligan Fish Port

Christine Angelique BisqueraDavao Fish Port Complex

Fritzie V. LevisteGeneral Santos Fish Port Complex

Rebecca BerlinIloilo Fish Port Complex

Emilio AnitanZamboanga Fish Port Complex

Diego PlataLucena Santos Fish Port Complex

Romulo AdvientoSual Fish Port

PCA Annex Building I, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City

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

Eduardo M. Chu

General Manager

Girlie R. Hilario

Editor / Writer

Ma. Aurora C. Atanacio

Maria Beatriz L. UyWriters

Maria Theresa V. Francisco

Writer / Proof Reader

Amber Lyn M. Alonzo

Associate Editor / Writer

Ali-Jim P.Subang

Graphics / Layout Artist

Johnny A. Basamot

Photographer

Romy T. Tindugan

Circulation Officer

Vol. 2, No. 2 - 2014

PFDAPFDAOfficial Publication of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority

EDITORIAL STAFF

ZFPC: Thriving and surviving

In the face of great crises, the strength of a unified effort is vital and indispensable. As a nation, we are tested by calamities, one after the other but the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda is astounding in its aftermath. Months have already passed, but the damage it unleashed still evident.

The journey of the General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC) personnel, led by Port Manager Edwin B. Maliwat and the late Juan Casper Mercado, to pursue the vision of “Tabang Ha Tacloban” was one fraught with much work and sacrifice. But the hardship they experienced from the preparation of materials and collection of relief goods to the long and difficult travel was all worth it to show support and compassion to Taclobanuenos. It was a manifestation of unity with them; that residents from other provinces were willing to undergo hardship to contribute to a unified effort to alleviate their sufferings.

To have reached their destination was surely a relief to the group, but short-lived when they saw the reality that was left behind by Yolanda. The soreness from their hard travel was insignificant as they caught a glimpse of the grief the people of Tacloban must have gone through and is still going through. They were much more determined to extend whatever help they could. And that was what they did, working tirelessly either under the heat of the relentless sun or the spattering of rain showers.

There were six GSFPC electricians who toiled to install electric connections to houses at Barangay Paglaum. After five days, they completed electric installations for 80 households. At present, the

labor for electric installation will cost P5,000 per household according to the residents. The 80 households would have

needed P400,000 for labor alone. GSFPC also purchased the electrical supplies at a little more than P200,000

which it raised with the help of Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC) for P32,000, Central Office for

P20,000, other ports, and GSFPC clients. Considering this, PM Maliwat recalled, when he conversed with Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez during the group's courtesy call, that this project was just a small assistance from PFDA. The Mayor promptly responded "there is no small help; all is welcome." He added that this project of electrical installation is actually very unique—noteworthy because PFDA did not only donate materials but provided services as well.

In add i t ion to the e lec t r ica l installations, the group handed over relief

goods in the form of dried fish, bottled water,

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYOFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

MEN AT WORK. Electricians coming from the General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC) committed to completing the installation of electricity in 80 houses in Tacloban. (Photo by GSFPC staff)

Making a difference: Tabang ha Tacloban

COURTESY CALL. The volunteers led by Port Manager Edwin B. Maliwat (fourth from left in top photo) make sure to properly inform the local government unit of Tacloban City of their project in Brgy. Paglaum.

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canned goods, medicines and new clothes from NFPC. The dried fish were produced from the fresh fish donated by the GSFPC clients since last December of last year.

A local news network which interviewed PM Maliwat said that in the informal survey it carried out among the residents, results showed very positive feedbacks about the project. The beneficiaries seemed unanimous in their assessment of the GSFPC staff: “Magduruto ngan maglaksi hira magtrabaho.” (They were hardworking and fast workers). For the weary and dog-tired personnel, that statement was almost an instantaneous energizer. When asked if they would be willing to do this over again, the sentiment was also unanimous: "definitely."

Problems and challenges are inherent part of life. No modern-day technology or amount of preparedness can stop natural calamities from striking. Sadly, they leave damage and woes in their wake. But, human nature is resilient. The Filipinos have shown this time and time again. They may not be able to stop calamities from happening, but they can rise above the wreckage and anguish these disasters leave behind.

Together. United. Filipinos make a difference. (Fritzie Leviste)

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Meanwhile, Senator Cynthia Villar is pushing for the creation of a Philippine Halal Accreditation and Regulatory Board citing the absence of a common set of national Halal guidelines that would govern the Halal certification process.

Sen. Villar is the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food. In her introductory statements as she presided over a public hearing on Senate Bills that propose policies and guidelines in crafting the Philippine Halal Act in General Santos City, she expressed the need to institutionalize a national standard in the preparation of “Halal food” that will be at par with world-accepted guidelines and protocols. This national standard will be observed in all abattoirs, food outlets, hotel and restaurants and similar establishments in the country.

The Senator filed Senate Bill No. 312 – or the Philippine Halal Act that aims to “protect the interest of the people for clean, pure and healthy food.” Halal foods are healthy because Muslims make sure that slaughtered animals are also healthy and clean; and they pay particular attention to the feeds given to the animals. Senate Bill

312 also seeks to establish a Philippine Halal Accreditation and Regulatory Board which will be responsible for the formulation, management and implementation of programs relevant to manufacturing, production, distribution, handling, storage and verification of Halal-approved food and non-food merchandise and services.

Secretary Proceso J. Alcala expressed his support to the passage of the Bill especially in the light of emerging international opportunities for Halal food. The Secretary also reported that the DA, through its line agencies, has lined up Halal support projects which include the building of Halal slaughterhouses, Halal goat production and allied initiatives to support Halal certification.

Under the DA Halal Development Program, the DA Halal TWG, chaired by Asec. Davinio P. Catbagan, Assistant Secretary for Livestock, had drafted a framework for the DA Halal Development Plan. This plan provides guideposts and guidelines to the different DA operating units in the pursuit of the program's goals. (Tess Francisco)

Halal From page1

*This is a tribute to the late Juan Casper Mercado who spearheaded the “Tabang Tacloban Ha” Project.

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Headed by Department Manager Ligaya T. Baltazar, officers and selected staff of the Internal Audit Department (IAD) attended capacity build-up training at the Professional Development Center of the Commission on Audit. The training, sponsored by the Department of Budget and Management, and the Office of the President, are parts of the ongoing efforts of the government to strengthen internal control and internal audit systems among its agencies.

Eight modules comprised the training, namely: (1) Overview of the Philippine Government Internal Audit Manual (PGIAM); (2) Baseline Assessment of Internal Control System; (3) Control Significance and Materiality; (4) Control Risk and Internal Audit Risk; (5) Strategies and Annual Work Planning; (6) Compliance Audit; (7) Management Audit; and (8) Operations Audit. Deputy Executive Secretary Atty. Alberto A. Bernardo of the Internal Audit Office of the Office of the President was primarily responsible for the realization of this endeavor.

Directors from the Commission on Audit and consultants of the different government agencies acted as resource persons. Aside from lectures, they also used training methodologies such as workshops, oral and written exercises, and even take home assignments.

This capacity build-up training was conducted in compliance with the implementation of the PGIAM which was issued to complement the National Guidelines Internal Control Systems (NGICS). The training aimed to clarify the nature and scope of internal in the Philippine public sector, including institutional arrangements, protocols and processes.

Of the first batch of participants—Heads and Staff of the Internal Audit Office/Department from the Department of Agriculture, Budget and Management, Tourism, Justice, Agrarian Reform and Foreign Affairs; Sugar Regulatory Administration; National Tobacco Administration; Senate; and House of Representatives—only a handful has internal audit in place and is actually performing audit functions. PFDA is included in this handful of agencies.

The PFDA's IAD is mandated to evaluate or appraise the internal control systems of the agency to determine if internal control measures are well-designed and properly implemented. It also conducts management, compliance and operations audit.

In this regard, the IAD performed Baseline Assessment of PFDA's Internal Control Systems (BAICS) with the top management, department and port managers and division chiefs answering the BAICS questionnaire. IAD consolidated and evaluated the results of the assessment for the perusal of top management and the Chairman of the PFDA Audit Committee, Atty. Raul V. Angeles (Executive Director, Investment Servicing Group of the Board of Investment), representing the Departmnet of Trade and Industry in the PFDA Board of Directors.

While it is the direct responsibility of the agency head to install,

implement, and monitor sound internal control systems, IAD assistshim by regularly evaluating the soundness of the ICS. This IAD function is separate or distinct from the operating units and other support units' function of monitoring and instituting continual improvement of internal control measures to support the accomplishment of performance targets and organizational objectives. (With report from Betty Uy)

GFPS members composed of port managers, division chiefs, and technical working staff– coming from the Iloilo, Davao, General Santos, and Zamboanga regional ports– joined the training. A total of 23 attendees took part in the GAD planning and budgeting. Among the outputs were the following:

1. Increased understanding of basic concepts related to gender and development (GAD)

2. Assessment of level of gender mainstreaming in the fish ports using the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF)

3. Increased knowledge and application of basic GAD tools to identify gender issues

4. Increased knowledge on the application of tools (the Generic GAD checklist and the Infrastructure checklist)

5. Increased understanding of the GAD planning and budgeting process per PCW + DBM Joint Circular No. 2012-01

6. Increased appreciation of how GAD funds are being audited by the COA per Memo Circular No. 2014-01

7. Commitment to implement the PAP's indicated in the respective GAD plan and budget for CY 2014 of the fish ports

With the new insights and knowledge from the two-day training, the Vis-Min cluster recommended to conduct a follow-up activity on September 15-16 to be hosted by Davao in preparation for the submission of the 2016 GAD Plan and Budget and the 2014 GAD Accomplishment Report. On the other hand, the same training on Gender mainstreaming will be conducted for the Luzon Cluster which will include the GFPS of the Central Office, Navotas and Lucena Fish Port Complexes, and the Sual and Camaligan Fish Port.

Upon completion of the GAD capacity development survey, priority topics will be identified for future orientations, seminars and trainings that will be undertaken to reinforce GAD execution and performance in the PFDA systems. (Au Atanacio)

GAD from page 6

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY5IAD joins build-uptraining at COA

TEAMWORK. Employees from the PFDA Central Office and Navotas Fish Port Complex together give inputs on how to start a gender-sensitized office environment during the Gender Mainstreaming of Luzon cluster at the PFDA Central Office on September 8-9, 2014.

Corner

Gender and

Development

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The challenge to put the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) from stage 2 to stage 3 in 2014 by focusing on the integration of Gender and Development (GAD) in the key result areas of the agency is finally bearing fruit with the continuous initiatives undertaken by the PFDA GAD Focal Point System (GFPS). Orientations, seminar-workshops and trainings supported by the management and participated in by the staff from the Central Office and regional fish ports were conducted to fully step up to the third phase wherein PFDA becomes able not only to advocate gender development trainings but also to formulate and implement GAD policies. GAD stages imply the level of gender sensitivity and mainstreaming efforts inside the agency.

On April 9-10, 2014, the GAD Technical Working Group (TWG) conducted the Gender Sensitivity Orientation at the Navotas Fish Port Complex where a total of 62 participants composed of technical and non-technical staff were educated on the basic GAD concepts. The orientation aimed to enable the participants to appreciate the situation of Filipino women and men; and acquire basic knowledge on GAD legal mandates and the responsibilities of the agencies under the Magna Carta of Women or RA 9710. Further, it enlightened the management and staff of NFPC based on their insights and significant learning as to how GAD would change biased perceptions at work, in the community and even in the family.

Having been introduced to the GAD fundamentals, Central Office and NFPC employees enriched their awareness on a deeper view of GAD principles and core values at the Villa Alfredo's Resort in San Fernando, Pampanga on May 16, 2014. This participatory activity aimed to enhance knowledge on gender issues and concerns, and foster cooperation and harmonious working relationship among the women and men of PFDA Central Office and NFPC. Games which embodied GAD principles and core values were conducted to have a more lively and participatory lecture. These included GAD laws scavenger hunt, modified GAD bring-me-game, ladies first game, and jigsaw puzzle on Filipino heroine. During the event, bookmarks–containing a quote from Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations secretary general, and the PFDA vision and mission– were also distributed. In the agency's history, this is the first time that the Central Office and NFPC staff had this kind of joint undertaking.

Another manifestation of unity among colleagues was the "Fun Run for Women's Education," organized by the UP Sigma Alpha Sorority Alumnae Association Inc. as one of the major activities of the Department of Agriculture (DA) GFPS for this year. The fun run was held on April 5, 2014 at exactly 5:00 AM at the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta Park, Manila. It was participated in by both male and female

GAD steps up gender dev't in PFDA

GAD to page 5

Luneta Park, Manila. It was participated in by both male and female employees of different agencies under DA. PFDA participants were composed of 50 and 20 staff from the NFPC and Central Office, respectively.

The PFDA adopted gender mainstreaming as one of its priority undertakings as it commits to achieve gender equality in the office. In pursuing this priority, the Central Office and regional GFPS should focus on the gender mainstreaming programs and activities; coordinate the preparation of the agency’s GAD Plan and Budget and the GAD Accomplishment Report; and monitor these activities' implementation and report the results. In the process, the GFPS should provide technical assistance to the divisions or departments on gender mainstreaming. To enable them to perform their tasks, it is important that GFPS members are equipped and given the capacity to make PFDA gender responsive.

In this light, the PFDA-TWG recommended the conduct of training that will capacitate the officers and staff on gender mainstreaming and budget attribution for PFDA's programs, activities, or projects lined up for 2015 and thereafter. Said training was included in the 2014 GAD Plan and Budget which was approved by the Philippine Commission on Women. Initially, the Central Office TWG held the training on June 12-14, 2014 at Punta Villa Resort in Iloilo City for the Visayas and Mindanao cluster.

BUILDING UNITY. The orientation on Gender and Development principles and core values at the Villa Alfredo’s Resort in San Fernando, Pampanga on May 16, 2014 also serves as the employees’ team-building activity where they were able to spend some quality time together while learning.

THERE IS FUN IN RUN. The participants of the fun run held at the Quirino Grandstand on April 5, 2014 advocate not only women’s education, but also imply the fun and health awareness created through the activity.