The need to identify the research gaps in fisheries biotechnology and developing strategies to address common concerns, and enhancing collaboration among the different research and development units from government agencies, universities, research and institutions and the fishery industry are the focus of discussions of the National Symposium on Fisheries and Aquatic Biotechnology currently held at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) in Tigbauan, Iloilo. SEAFDEC Chief, Dr. Joebert D. Toledo said that the two-day symposium is significant "because the Department of Agriculture is in the process of formulating an integrated ten-year biotechnology Research, Development and Extension program." He said that the DA has commissioned a team of experts to evaluate biotechnology-related programs of the different institutions and agencies within the agriculture department. Among the recommendations of the team of experts was to have three core centers with the DA- PhilRice for crops, Philippine Carabao Center for livestock and SEAFDEC/AQD for fisheries.

Marine resources development through biotechnology pushed. (2006, July 7). Panay News, p. B1.