SEAFDEC/AQD Chief highlights mission-driven growth at 52nd anniversary

In his address during the 52nd anniversary celebration of SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department (AQD), Chief Dan Baliao underscored the institution’s transformation from a traditional R&D center into a proactive force in aquaculture development.

Speaking before partners from national and local government agencies, the SEAFDEC Secretariat, former employees, and current staff, Baliao recounted how, since assuming leadership in 2017, he sought to refocus AQD’s direction towards stakeholder needs.

“Beyond R&D, training, and information dissemination, I saw the need for AQD to immediately and directly address the stakeholders’ concerns, particularly in seeds and feeds which define aquaculture,” Baliao said, emphasizing the foundational role of quality seedstocks and feeds in the industry.

At the heart of AQD’s reorientation are five flagship programs: Fry Sufficiency, Cost-efficient Feeds, Oplan Balik Sugpo, the Joint Mission on Accelerated National Techno-transfer Program (JMANTTP II), and Manpower Development. These, he noted, have been actively implemented for nearly eight years.

Among the milestones he shared were the completion of 12 of 26 government-legislated hatcheries and infrastructure developments at AQD’s Tigbauan Main Station. In feeds, he said AQD has helped operationalize the Bulalacao feed mill and is eyeing two more plants in Iloilo and Pangasinan for completion this year.

Baliao also cited the success of the “Oplan Balik Sugpo” which has delivered quality tiger shrimp postlarvae, and acknowledged the vital role of AQD’s manpower pool in nationwide projects.

The Chief took particular pride in AQD’s growing engagement with local pond operators under JMANTTP II. Projects in Iloilo and Antique have expanded to seaweed, oyster, and crayfish farming—highlighting innovation and collaboration.

“These farms,” he said, “are aligned with DA Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel’s vision,” referring to AQD’s work in Pandan, Antique and Pototan, Mina, Bingawan, and Leganes in Iloilo, which blend traditional methods with innovative practices.

Beyond technology transfer, AQD has seen strong outputs in scientific publishing, with 37 publications so far this year, including over 20 peer-reviewed articles and two new aquaculture manuals. Baliao challenged his team to go beyond output and focus on impact.

“I urge everyone to reflect on and prioritize studies that truly make an impact,” he said.

AQD’s visibility has also expanded through participation in regional and international fora—from the NACA Council Meeting in China to the International Phycological Congress in Bohol, and even diplomatic engagements organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“This affirms our progress, and strengthens our drive to do even more,” Baliao said, highlighting the continued growth of AQD’s role in global aquaculture.

The Chief expressed gratitude to long-time partners such as the Government of Japan through the Japanese Trust Fund, and recognized development agencies like the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) for enabling solution-driven research.

He closed by acknowledging the dedication of AQD’s staff across divisions and reiterating the value of performance.

“You will always be judged by the result of your works,” he reminded.