Coinciding with this month’s theme by DA and BFAR “Magsasaka’t Mangingisdang Pilipino, Saludo Ang Buong Bansa Sa Sipag, Tibay At Lakas Niyo” , the Muntinlupa City Cooperative Development Office headed by Atty. Nemei Santiago with CDA representative assigned in Muntinlupa Mr. Sherwin Keith D. Salazar launched the National Farmers’ & Fisherfolks’ Month Celebration last May 24, 2023 at Pala-Pala (Kubo), OSCA Office, Baywalk Bayanan, Muntinlupa City.

This was highlighted with activities that celebrate and recognize the invaluable contributions of our Farmers and Fisherfolks in nation-building and food security in the country. Part of the activities is the orientation and provision of Technical Assistance Services to fishermen cooperatives on how to operationalize a cooperative, how to handle their ARGAM and how to go about accreditation with the Sangguniang Panglungsod. There was also the linkaging of fisherfolks’ cooperatives to other government institutions, GFIs, NGOs, and the like. The idea of forming a Federation of Fisherfolk Cooperatives for harmonious dissemination of information and participation of the fishermen cooperatives to the various cooperative activities were solidified in this event.  A total of 63 participants coming from the 44 registered Fishermen Cooperatives were in attendance.

Preliminaries were given by MCDO Staff Laarni C. Alon and Virgie R. Tamayo, followed by the acknowledgment of the Guest Speaker by Atty. Nemei Santiago. The inspirational message was delivered by Honorable Mayor Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon who graciously attended the event. He appreciated the efforts and contributions of the Fisherfolks to the City of Muntinlupa, and he also introduced the City’s program in helping the cooperative sector via loans without interest. A solidarity message was given by Mr. Enrico Sedusta, fisherfolk’s focal person.

Open forum followed and the closing remarks was given by Atty. Nemei Santiago.