The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) will partner with Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in a bid to expand the operations of isDA ON THE GO’s (iOTG) nationwide.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the PFDA and CDA will soon be drafted to start the cooperation between the two agencies, particularly in expanding the iOTG nationwide.
A Technical Working Group will also be developed as part of the cooperation, PFDA said.
Launched in 2019, iOTG, a flagship program of PFDA, is part of the “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” marketing initiative of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
To recall, “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” targets to lower the price of basic agricultural products, such as marine products, by providing a direct link between farmers and fisherfolk to the identified communities.
During his meeting with PFDA officials, CDA Chairperson Joseph Encabo suggested launching the iOTG program with CDA in October, as this will be in time with the Cooperative Month.
An estimated 60 cooperatives within the Metro Manila will take part during the initial phase of the PFDA-CDA project isDA ON THE GO partnership, with more slated for 2022.
CDA is the government agency tasked to ensure the sustained growth and full development of the Philippines cooperatives for them to become broad-based instruments of social justice, equity and balanced national progress.