The Thailand-based secretariat of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, through its top official, has lauded the Philippine government for its continued support to SEAFDEC, particularly its Aquaculture Department (AQD) based in Tigbauan, Iloilo. "As the secretary-general of SEAFDEC, allow me to acknowledge with gratitude the support accorded to SEAFDEC by the Philippine government," stated Panu Tavarutmaneegul.

Fernandez, R. (1999, July 26). International fisheries body cites RP. The Philippine Star, p. 25.