SEAFDEC/AQD Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center | Aquaculture Department
SEAFDEC/AQD’s Binangonan Freshwater Station (BFS) successfully concluded the Training Course on Community-based Freshwater Aquaculture (CBFWA) for Remote Rural Areas in Southeast Asia, held on 11–25 November 2025 in Binangonan, Rizal, Philippines.
The training course was conducted to promote aquaculture technologies to rural communities for livelihood and poverty alleviation. With extensive research and development projects on freshwater species, SEAFDEC/AQD trained participants on seed production, hatchery, nursery, and grow-out phase, as well as post-harvest techniques.
Commercially important freshwater species covered by the training were tilapia, giant freshwater prawn, catfish, and bighead carp.
Aside from lectures and practical sessions, trainees also joined a field trip to Nueva Ecija, where they visited the Central Luzon State University–Freshwater Aquaculture Center, the Department of Agriculture–Fisheries Biotechnology Center, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources–National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center.
Through the trips, participants gained firsthand knowledge on how aquaculture technologies are applied in real facilities and how government and academic institutions work together to support freshwater aquaculture development.
At the end of the training, the four participants—two from the Philippines, two from other SEAFDEC member countries—each presented a project proposal for their respective countries.
SEAFDEC/AQD Deputy Chief Dr. Takahiro Sajiki, Training and Information Division Head Dr. Edgar Amar, BFS Head Dr. Frolan Aya, and resource persons Dr. Nerissa Salayo and Ms. Quenie Montinola critiqued the proposals and provided feedback.
The training course on CBFWA is conducted annually with funding support from the Japanese Trust Fund (JTF) in the form of fellowship grants.
Trainees share insights, express gratitude
Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the training.
Mr. Anuar Bin Deraman, from Malaysia, expressed his appreciation to SEAFDEC/AQD and the trainers for imparting important lessons on hatchery operations and aquaculture management. He emphasized the significance of working closely with local communities and hoped that his fellow participants also apply the insights gained to improve practices in their respective countries.
“It is a valuable opportunity to be a participant in this training,” said Mr. Arnold Noces, a participant from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR). He also thanked SEAFDEC/AQD for the opportunity to participate, as well as DA-BFAR for nominating him to the program.
Dr. Amar, in his closing remarks, reminded the participants that while the course may have concluded, the real work is just beginning. “The knowledge and skills you gained are the seeds we have sown,” he said. “It is now up to you to nurture them in your communities. Aquaculture is not just a profession—it is a calling that demands passion and dedication to feed and sustain communities, while also protecting the environment.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Sajiki, who also serves as JTF co-manager, imparted in his message, “True progress begins when knowledge is shared.” He emphasized that the collective effort of institutions and communities is essential in advancing sustainable aquaculture development.
