In the anniversary lunch, culled-out giant freshwater prawns (steamed and sinigang) and Nile tilapia (broiled) were among the dishes served.

Parlor games, hoop shooting, darts and table tennis, and videoke singing contest highlighted the day's celebration.

Dr. Clarissa Marte was given recongition for her contribution in the field of marine fish breeding and seed production, shrimp digestive physiology, and coastal resource management. Her twelve years of service as head of the Research Division was also recognized.

Ms. Marietta Duray was recognized for her contribution in the field of fish larval biology and seed production, for sharing her expertise in the training and extension activities, and for her untiring service to the Department for 26 years.

Dr. Anicia Hurtado was awarded for having brought honor to AQD by winning the Best Poster Paper Award at the 19^th International Seaweeed Symposium in Kobe, Japan. held last March 23 to April 1 of this year. Her paper was on the Effects of epiphytes on the growth and carrageenan of Kappaphycus striatum var. sacol on the different stocking densities, days and depths.

Dr. Gilda Lio-Po was recognized for giving prestige to AQD by being chosen as the 2007 Most Outstanding Microbiologist by the Philippine Society for Microbiology. The award was given during the society’s 36^th annual convention and scientific meeting in Malate, Manila, May 7-8.

DA Secretary Arthur Yap, DA Undersecretary Jesus Emmanuel Paras, BFAR Dir. Malcolm Sarmiento, AQD Chief Joebert Toledo, and AQD Deputy Chief Hiroshi Ogata awarded the plaques to the recipients.

"Walk 3 times a week, but 6-7 times a week is not too much," Dr. Coloso revealed.

You can walk outdoors or indoors; in the mall, plaza, or beach. Walk in a nice place so you can smell the flowers, notice the weather, and be attuned to your feelings and thoughts while leisurely talking to your friend.

When walking for exercise, walk towards a target heart rate. You know you’ve reached it when you stop talking with your friend – you’re out of breath. Stay on it for 15 minutes and taper down your speed. Over time, you’d notice you can walk longer without being out of breath.

Walking consumes around 200 calories per hour for a 70 kg person. That’s like burning the energy from a hamburger or a cup of ice cream.

In an average day in the office, a person makes about 1000 steps. Meanwhile, serious walkers target 10,000 steps a day. As always, drink plenty of water, use proper footwear, perform light stretching exercises beforehand and observe correct posture.

After listening to Dr. Coloso’s talk, the AQD employees walked twice around the sports quadrangle. It took 5 to 7 minutes to make one round and roughly 600 steps.

Aquaculture Week 2007 seeks to build understanding and appreciation among school children and teachers in Panay of the research and development work of SEAFDEC/AQD and the relations between nutrition, the environment, aquaculture and fisheries.

Bring, Show, and Tell: "Marine invertebrates for food"

Kimberly Jane Novo and Justin Grace Gallego of Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus bagged first place with their coaches Analyn Miraflores and Wilfredo Torrecampo.

Contestants researched about edible marine invertebrates and identified them by common and scientific names. They then cooked the invertebrates and reported about the species before an audience.

Nutrition and Aquaculture Quiz

Noella Therese Moreno of Iloilo Central Elementary School garnered first place, with the help of her coach, Jocelyn Gumarang after besting 32 other contestants in a read-and-answer written exam on nutrition, agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture.

Mary Pauline Kriszl Gupeteo of Kinaadman Elementary School (coach: Joan Po), John Christian Teves of Guimbal Central Elementary School (coach: Azucena Garque), and Raymee Tabobo of Eugenio Torrento Elementary School (coach: Marlyn Temelo) all deserved first place. In answering their set of questions, contestants had one minute to visit each of the eighteen aquaria in FishWorld.

Aquaculture Workshop for High School Teachers: "From the hatchery to the farm to the market"

With one farmed seafood entrée, high school student cooks did their best to please the taste buds of AQD judges and other taste testers. The title "Ang Pinakamasarap na Orig!" went to Lester John Tungala of Ramon Avanceña National High School with the help of Coach Ma. Fe Montealto.

AQD's Main Station in Tigbauan, Iloilo to attend the historic event that aims to call attention to the issue of climate change.

In an email to invite AQD employees to the event, Chief Dr. Joebert Toledo said "Let us join the world promote awareness and combat climate crisis."

The Live Earth Party was a 24-hour concert broadcasted worldwide through television, radio, internet and wireless channels across the seven continents.

Through Live Earth, organizer SOS Campaign, hopes to motivate individuals to change consumer behavior and call on corporations and political leaders to take concrete and sustained steps to address the problem of climate crisis.

If you were not able to attend the event, you can still make your commitment to take action at http://liveearthpledge.org.