SEAFDEC/AQD Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center | Aquaculture Department
SEAFDEC/AQD’s collaboration with Philippine government agencies and its construction of new research infrastructure took the spotlight during the 31st Philippine Technical and Administrative Committee (PTAC) meeting held in Quezon City, Philippines on 19 November 2024.
In the meeting, Chief Dan Baliao presented the Department’s 2024 achievements and accomplishments, including its collaboration with the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) in establishing 26 legislated hatcheries across the country—12 of which are now complete.
The Chief also highlighted the ongoing construction of several aquaculture facilities within the Department’s 40-hectare complex in Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines to provide new facilities for research and to demonstrate the hatchery technologies developed by SEAFDEC/AQD for priority commodities, such as tiger shrimp, pompano, and milkfish.
The projects include: an aquaculture feed mill plant in partnership with DA-BFAR Region 6; Bali sardine (“tamban”) hatchery in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI); hatcheries for crayfish, whiteleg shrimp, and mangrove crab.
Division heads also shared updates on SEAFDEC/AQD’s activities, including: technology verification and extension; departmental and regional programs, such as those funded by the Japanese Trust Fund; and training, information dissemination, and administrative initiatives.
Lastly, Chief Baliao discussed the Department’s strategic direction for 2025, reaffirming SEAFDEC/AQD’s commitment to supporting Philippine aquaculture through technology transfer and extension programs.
The annual PTAC meeting is held to assess the research center’s performance and ensure its programs align with the priorities and needs of the Philippines, SEAFDEC/AQD’s host country. PTAC comprises the high-level representatives from relevant Philippine government agencies such as DA, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV).
This year’s meeting reviewed 2024 accomplishments and endorsed 2025 plans to the SEAFDEC Program Committee; reviewed the operational budget proposed by SEAFDEC/AQD for 2026, including its justifications, for endorsement to the Philippine Government; and discussed the pressing issues that concern the present and future operations of the research center and its relations with the Philippine Government.
