ALL ROADS lead to General Santos City as the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII) mounts the 23rd National Tuna Congress with the Theme: “Adapting Strategies Responsive to Global Changes” on August 31-September 1, 2023, at the SM Trade Halls, this city.
This is the second year following the 2020 pandemic that the fishing industry is holding the event to ensure that the gains of the years prior which were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic can be revived and sustained.
This year’s Congress theme signifies the Philippine Tuna Industry’s strengthened resolve to provide livelihood and protein source to Filipinos and that despite the acute challenges happening globally, the industry continues to be resilient and more importantly, willing to adapt to changes.
The fishing industry remains committed to its vision and mission which were heavily tried and tested in recent times. “In the face of adversity, the industry held hands tightly and demonstrated the power of collaboration fully convinced that this collaboration had enabled them to survive the dire challenges brought by the recent pandemic,” says SFFAII Executive Director Rosanna Bernadette B. Contreras.
SFFAII acknowledges the manifold outcome derived from its partnerships with the government, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
On the other hand, SFFAII President Dominic R. Salazar fully agrees that this solid partnership and collaboration helped the industry survive and remain afloat. “I am very thankful that in my second year as chairperson of the National Tuna Congress, our government agencies like the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Trade and Industry, the local government unit of General Santos, and other stakeholders of the fishing industry have always been there to lend a huge helping hand.”
The two-day event will include a Caravan originating from the General Santos City Fishport, Opening of Trade Exhibition, Opening Ceremony, Plenary Sessions with expert speakers, and Closing Ceremony. Minister Steven Victor of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment of the Republic of Palau; Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual of the Department of Trade and Industry; Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Maria Belen S. Acosta; and Senator Cynthia A. Villar are expected to grace the two-day Congress.
For those interested to join the 23rd National Tuna Congress or desire to be a trade exhibitor, please email tunacongress@yahoo.com or sffaii1999@yahoo.com. You can also call (083) 887-6103 or visit their office at Mezzanine Floor, Market 3 Building, General Santos Fish Port Complex, Tambler, General Santos City. – With details from Joanna Mae E. Padua, SPC project coordinator, SFFAII
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Mallengke in General Santos!
In another development in the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, the General Santos City Joint Venture-Selection Committee has declared an interested Private Sector Proponent who has complied with the requirements to redevelop the General Santos City Central Public Market (CPM) eligible during their second board meeting held recently.
As the process moves forward, the city government will issue a certificate of acceptance to the proponent to be followed by detailed negotiations.
When asked for comment, General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (GSC Chamber) President Benirando D. Claudio said the selection committee of the city’s Public-Private Partnerships has approved the unsolicited proposal of Robinsons Land Corporation to put a Mallengke at the city CPM. Claudio added, “It will be submitted to the local chief executive for signature and endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for approval of the joint venture agreement.
GSC Chamber fully supports the project since it will transform our central public market into a more attractive, pleasing, and comfortable center of trade for marketgoers, Claudio concluded.
According to the coffee table book, “Tuna: At the Heart of General Santos” published in 2018 by SFFAII, “The city Central Public Market sits on a 2.2-hectare prime property at the southern end of Ireneo Santiago Boulevard on one side, and Corner P. Acharon Boulevard on the other. The market provides a variety of reasonably priced and most fresh wet and dry goods this side of Mindanao.” – With details from Leomabell W. Velandria, public information officer, GSC Chamber
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The writer hosts Woman Talk with Belinda Sales at 91.1 Balita FM Tagbilaran City every Saturday, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. She can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie/PN
