The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA and Department of Agriculture (DA) – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) held the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) titled “CDA – BFAR Partnership for the Organization, Capacity Building and Development of Fishermen Cooperatives” on March 24, 2021 at the BFAR Office Fisheries Building Complex, BPI Compound, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.
CDA Chairman Undersecretary Joseph B. Encabo and BFAR Director Commodore Eduardo B. Gongona both extended sincerest gratitude in their messages following the signing of the document. Usec Encabo was joined by Assistant Secretaries Virgilio R. Lazaga (Agriculture Cluster Head) and Vidal D. Villanueva III (Financial Cluster Head), Deputy Administrator Ray R. Elevazo and selected CDA staff. Director Gongona was assisted by his Assistant Director and all Division Heads.
With the partnership, cooperatives would be able to avail seminars, trainings, and other capacity building measures that would help equip themselves with the best learnings and knowledge in the aqua-fisheries development, as well as the vast opportunities for their businesses including the possibility of linking cooperatives to KADIWA Oplan Isda. Thus, opening new networks and markets for sustainability and growth in cooperative operation. This is another milestone for all cooperative stakeholders especially in the fishery sector which coincides with the 32nd CDA Anniversary celebration. – Ricky Rebello, CPDAD
