Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) has embarked on a ₱5.4-million aquaculture program that aims to boost the country’s stock for specialty products such as abalone, grouper (Lapu Lapu) giant clam, and sea horse that have huge export potential in nearby Asian markets. Zeroing in on Antique which is known as Philippines’ biggest source of bangus fries coming from its coastal villages, SEAFDEC has entered into a memorandum of agreement with Antique province on the stock enhancement program for the aquaculture products that have high market prospects. “There’s a big demand for these (abalone) in Japan and Korea, “said Dr. Joebert D. Toledo, SEAFDEC aquaculture chief, in an interview.

Aguiba, M. M. (2006, July 3). SEAFDEC to raise specialty marine products. Manila Bulletin, p. B-6.