October 9, 2003

Philippines Biotech Research in Aquaculture Funded by Japan Government

In the Philippines, biotechnology research in aquaculture is off to a good start.

Now spearheading the thrust is the Laboratory for Advanced Aquaculture Technologies set up at the government-hosted Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC AQD) based in Tigbauan, Iloilo.

Funded by the Japanese government, the P431-million facility, which was turned over to the government early this year, provides laboratory facilities for advanced aquaculture research. The facilities assist aquaculture technicians in finding better ways of increasing aquaculture production and at the same time not causing harmful effects on the environment.

Not for long after the Philippines, through Agriculture Secretary Luis Lorenzo Jr., received the laboratory from the Japanese government through its embassy in Manila, the government buckled down to work.

A workshop on biotechnology research was immediately conducted by SEAFDEC AQD headed by Dr. Rolando R. Platon and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) headed by Director Malcolm Sarmiento Jr.

The priority research areas identified to be addressed by SEAFDEC AQD, BFAR, or both jointly are as follows:

• selective breeding

• growth enhancement

• stock enhancement and husbandry of novel species

• disease control

• seaweeds and microalgae

• environment-friendly feeds.

The laboratory's role in aquaculture R&D in the future had earlier been defined by Lorenzo thus: "I urge the researchers and workers from various institution who will be working here to make this laboratory the center of biotechnology for aquaculture not only in the Philippines but also in the whole of Southeast Asia."