THE SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII) held its 12th Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremonies on Sept. 3, 2021, at the posh Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos City. I was privileged to host the simple yet elegant event.
It may be recalled that SFFAII was unable to hold the National Tuna Congress in 2020 including the one this year, however, the recent induction and oath-taking event genuinely manifests the solid commitment of the leaders, the pillars of the fishing industry, and the partners to actively support and push the industry forward.
Below is the Turnover Speech of SFFAII Immediate Past President (IPP) Andrew Philip O. Yu:
“Two years ago, you gave me the chance to serve this great organization. It was not an easy feat. Who would have thought that in just a few months, the country and the world would be hit by a pandemic? Everything stood still. There were a lot of uncertainties in our lives and around our businesses. There are no guidelines on how to run a Federation during a pandemic. However, we quickly adapt and work with the new normal.
In this federation, we draw our strength from the friendship and camaraderie that we have built through the years. There is joy in working with you and the spirit of concern to help is inspiring.
We experienced a lot of new things during this time. But I want to zero in on my most unforgettable memory. This was when we held a virtual fundraising to buy personal protective equipment (PPE) for our medical frontliners. The board and the staff never hesitated to help. We raised almost Php 2-Million in record time using text-messaging and viber.
I am very fortunate to have had the privilege of leading this kind of members who value generosity and helpfulness in these challenging times.
To the members, the board, and most especially, our SFFAII family, my deepest appreciation and gratitude. Thank you very much for all the effort, time, and sacrifices that you have selflessly extended to SFFAII. I am both honored and humbled for this great experience of being able to serve you.
Thank you for this rare opportunity. Most of all, I thank God for his blessing on all the activities we undertook together.
Before I turn over the ship’s wheel to our new captain, I would like to pledge my full support to my good friend President Dominic Salazar.”
Before the new president, Dominic R. Salazar delivered his Acceptance Speech, IPP Yu was handed a Leadership Plaque by SFFAII Past President Joaquin “Jake” Lu, and an artwork crafted by artist par excellence Leonardo Rey “Bing” S. Cariño. Fishing Industry Pillar and Past President Marfenio “Marfin” Y. Tan passed the artwork.
In his acceptance speech, President Dominic R. Salazar said thus:
“I accept the position of president of SFFAII with all my heart. I accept all the duties and responsibilities that come with it. I will do my best to continue the good works of the presidents before me and will work hand in hand with my fellow officers to watch over the welfare of the entire industry. This is my commitment.
We are amid trying times. The main source of our organization’s funds is affected by the pandemic. Our National Tuna Congress has been cancelled for two consecutive years already but despite all these, with the support and help of the allied industries, we will make it the federation’s goal to continue to be strong.
It will be our medium of communication with the different government agencies and international organizations. It will partner with our government to produce sound policies. It will be the industry’s voice and negotiator. Finally, it will continue to unite the fishing and all the industries of SOCSARGEN.”
Also attending the event were his Excellency Steven J. Robinson AO, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines who delivered a short but well-prepared message and his party, MARINA 12 Regional Director Arnie F. Santiago, DTI 12 Regional Director Jude Constantine S. Jaugan, Commo. Eduardo B. Gongona (Ret), Inducting Officer, and the local government unit of General Santos represented by Councilor Lulu Casabuena.
It was indeed a beautiful night of friendship, camaraderie, and fun.
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Foor for Thought
If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything. – Mark Twain
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
