SEAFDEC/AQD Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center | Aquaculture Department
by Development Communication
“I would like to express my appreciation to all the efforts made by SEAFDEC/AQD researchers,” SEAFDEC Deputy Secretary-General Mr. Hajime Kawamura said during the 2015 Annual Progress Meeting of the Programs under the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Consultative Group Mechanism Funded by the Government of Japan-Trust (GOJ-TF) held 29 January at SEAFDEC/AQD’s Tigbauan Main Station. “I think the sixth cycle of GOJ-TF has kicked off very good so please proceed to move forward,” he added.
The meeting reviewed the projects implemented in 2015 and discussed the proposed research activities for the period 2015-2019. The external evaluators were Dr. Koh-ichiro Mori of the National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Fisheries Research Agency of Japan, Dr. Zubaida Basiao of the University of the Philippines Diliman and Dr. Carlos Baylon of the University of the Philippines Visayas.
The evaluators collectively noted the important role of the fish farmers and the local government unit for the continuity of the project. They emphasized the need for SEAFDEC/AQD to have a clear road map on how these two major players may be involved in the research activities. They also suggested that SEAFDEC/AQD should take holistic approach in the conduct of its training courses to have more impact on the community.
The presentations in the meeting comprised 12 activities which focused on the two new programs funded by GOJ-TF: (1) reinforcement & optimization of fish health management & the effective dissemination in the Southeast Asian region and (2) environment-friendly, sustainable utilization & management of fisheries & aquaculture resources.
“We will always be thankful for the support that the Japanese government is giving to SEAFDEC/AQD,” said AQD Chief Dr. Felix Ayson. He also added that SEAFDEC/AQD was able to continue the capacity building of the people working in the aquaculture sector and extend on-site trainings to member countries through the help of the trust fund.
Dr. Takuro Shibuno, SEAFDEC/AQD Trust Fund Manager and Deputy Chief, expressed his gratitude to all SEAFDEC/AQD staff who supported the GOJ-TF programs. He also acknowledged the evaluators for giving valuable comments on the GOJ-TF activities.
