In behalf of the SEAFDEC/AQD family, I would like to welcome all of you to our 32nd Anniversary. Everyone must have already known that due to financial problems of the Philippines the host country, AQD's budgetary allocation had been severely reduced since two years ago. AQD then had to reduce the number of its staff and prioritize its activities. We have also shifted our strategies. On the regional level, (1) AQD had to increase collaboration with other member countries. Hence, we have to implement projects that are of common interest to the region in order to minimize duplication of efforts. (2) We apply a cost-sharing scheme with the member countries involved in any project. While before only AQD was doing the Research & Development for the whole region, now we share responsibilities with other member countries. (3) We also mobilize regional experts. We tap the experts and other scientists from other member countries.

Platon, R. (2005, July 18-24). Opening Ceremony 32nd Seafdec Anniversary. The Examiner, pp. 5, 6.