SEAFDEC/AQD Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center | Aquaculture Department
by Development Communication Section
SEAFDEC/AQD has an enormous task in terms of steering aquaculture development towards sustainability to ensure its maximum contribution to food security and improvement of livelihood, according to its Acting Chief and Deputy Chief Dr. Chihaya Nakayasu during the 43rd Anniversary Program of the organization held in 15 July 2016 at its Tigbauan Main Station.
Dr. Nakayasu added that without the partnerships with its stakeholders, SEAFDEC/AQD will not be able to provide the technological needs of the aquaculture industry.
Among the guests in the anniversary program is Dr. Tetsuo Fujii of the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) who revealed that SEAFDEC/AQD and JIRCAS recently inked a five-year partnership to develop sustainable aquaculture technologies.
“I would like to express my appreciation to SEAFDEC/AQD for the long time collaboration with us,” Dr. Fujii remarked in his speech during the program.
“I believe that the projects with SEAFDEC/AQD will improve the livelihood of small-scale fish farmers in Southeast Asia,” he added.
Dr. Nakayasu cited that SEAFDEC/AQD conducted 64 studies and one of the major accomplishments during the period is that many important aquaculture technologies on mangrove crab (mud crab), abalone, shrimp, and oyster have been refined through funding from the DOST-PCAARRD (Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.)
He also mentioned that SEAFDEC/AQD had organized two regional technical consultations in partnership with the Government of Myanmar on aquafeed formulation and the Government of the Philippines on aquatic animal health to address the emerging issues in the Southeast Asian region. These consultations were made possible through the funding of the Government of Japan through the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
Other important milestones are in the areas of training and publication of scientific papers, proceedings and various information materials which facilitated the transfer of important viable aquaculture technologies that SEAFDEC/AQD has developed. A total of 299 trainees completed various training programs in 2015. The department also hosted 254 on-the-job trainees coming from 31 schools.
Dr. Nakayasu urged everyone to reflect on how SEAFDEC/AQD could improve further as a regional R&D organization in order to help improve lives of the people through sustainable aquaculture.
“Through effective partnerships with donor agencies, national and local governments, farmers, and other stakeholders, I am confident that this commitment will be translated into reality and will bear fruit,” he added.
Dr. Takuro Shibuno, Former Deputy Chief and Director of the Research Center for Aquaculture Systems at the Fisheries Research and Education Agency, was also among the guests in the Anniversary Program. He expressed his gratitude to be back at SEAFDEC/AQD and to see his former colleagues. He hoped that the organization will continue to contribute to the development of the fisheries and aquaculture industry not only here in the Philippines but also in the Southeast Asian region.
of its retiring employees. Senior Technical Assistant Mr. Eliseo
Coniza (rightmost) spoke on behalf of the retirees where he thanked
SEAFDEC/AQD management. He also received a Plaque of Appreciation
together with the other retirees (L-R) Dr. Mae Catacutan (Scientist),
Ms. Dofra Tupas (Nurse), Ms. Nancy Acdol (Administrative Assistant),
and Mr. Reynaldo Sobremisana (Driver/Mechanic)
Ms. Shelah Mae Buen Ursua receive their new appointments
by the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies. The same certificate is also given to SEAFDEC/AQD
Library for being awarded by the Philippine Association of Academic and Research Librarians as the
“2015 Outstanding Academic/Research Library Award”
