Birth of SOCOFA (SOCOPA as amended)
In 1974, the Philippine Fisheries Commission called a Convention in Manila. In the said Convention, President Ferdinand E. Marcos instructed the fishermen to organize themselves by association, so they can be fully represented in the national government. This was historic for the fishermen and those engaged in the fishing business in General Santos. Following the Convention, industry pioneers Doming Congson, Dario Lauron, and Marfinio “Marfin” Tan started organizing an association composed of persons directly or indirectly involved in the industry - fisher folks, labashera, laborer, biyahera, and the people working in the fish landing site. Their intent was to become the united vigilant voice of the fishing industry in the south. Three (3) years after the Convention, in 1977, the South Cotabato Fishing Association (SOCOFA) was born under the leadership of Dominico “Doming” Congson. Twenty (20) deep-sea fishermen rallied behind his leadership. SOCOFA was formally registered in 1979 with Doming Congson as 1st President.
On November 12, 1996, SOCOFA filed for Amended Articles of Incorporation and adopted SOUTH COTABATO PURSE-SEINERS ASSOCIATION, INC. (SOCOPA) as official name. This Amended Articles of Incorporation was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 1997 through SEC Chief Sofronio T. Sencio, Jr.
SOCOPA is guided by the following Mission:
* Promote unity, cooperation, and welfare of all fishermen, persons, and entities engaged in seashore, offshore, and deep-sea fishing in the Province of South Cotabato and City of General Santos;
* Provide a forum whereby problems affecting members and the fishing industry in the said Province and City can be brought out and resolved and/or representations can be made to the proper government officials, bodies, or agencies for resolution and assistance;
* Bring about cooperation among all fish producers in the said areas towards the establishment and maintenance of selling prices of fish at reasonable levels;
* Undertake seminars, skills training or any project with the assistance of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, among others, in the field of improved fish cultivation, production, and conservation, loans-in-aid, and others.
SOCOPA Officers:
Dominic R. Salazar
President
Richie Rich Tan
Vice President
Heromi Bandiola
Secretary
Andrew Philip Yu
Treasurer
John Yap
Auditor
