SEAFDEC/AQD Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center | Aquaculture Department
SEAFDEC/AQD took part in the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-TRUEFISH Project’s Regional Study Tour on Aquatic Organism Health and Aquaculture Biosecurity, with Dr. Frolan Aya, senior scientist and head of the Binangonan Freshwater Station (BFS), presenting the Aquatic Animal Health (AAH) Research and Biosecurity Program.
During the orientation program held on 2 June 2025 at the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Central Office in Quezon City, Dr. Aya introduced SEAFDEC/AQD’s goals and objectives, as well as its thematic programs.
Speaking to 15 participants from five East African countries —Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda —he explained the biosecurity practices used in SEAFDEC/AQD’s hatchery operations.
The senior scientist presented snippets of different aquatic animal health studies, particularly on exploring predatory bacteria (Bdellovibrio and like organisms or BALOs) for shrimp Vibrio disease management, probiotic supplementation in juvenile abalone, and the detection and quantification of Tilapia Lake Virus in fish samples, and other studies funded by the Japanese Trust Fund.
The activity was attended by notable guests and officials, including:
- Dr. Lionel Dabbadie, FAO Representative in the Philippines
- Dr. Jose Parajua, Chief Technical Advisor, FAO Regional Office for Africa
- Dr. Melba Reantaso, Team Leader, Food Safety, Nutrition and Health, FAO
- Mr. Elizer Salilig, National Director, BFAR
- Mr. Zaldy Perez, Assistant Director for Administrative Services, BFAR
Delegates go to BFS
As part of the study tour, delegates and representatives from the FAO, DA-BFAR, and the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) visited the BFS Station in Rizal on 5 June 2025.
Dr. Aya briefed them about SEAFDEC/AQD’s research in freshwater aquaculture and training programs offered to local and international stakeholders. The visitors then toured the station’s facilities, where they observed broodstock management systems, hatchery operations, and practical biosecurity measures in action.
The study tour serves as a platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise by learning from the Philippines’ experience in aquaculture development, aquatic animal health management, and biosecurity practices. It also covers private sector engagement, research and extension services, and institutional frameworks.
