A ₱387-million aquaculture technologies center financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aimed to help the Philippines keep up with developments in aquaculture biotechnology is set to be completed by March 2003. Zenaida Villegas, product packaging and resource mobilization chief at the Department of Agriculture (DA), said the aquaculture project which will be accomplished through a grant from JICA will begin serving not only the laboratory needs of the government but of the private sector. The project, called the "Establishment of Laboratory Facilities for the Advancement of Aquaculture Technologies," is expected to raise fishery production and generate new job opportunities with increased agricultural activity due to the use of advanced technology. It will be administered by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC).

Aguiba, M. (2002, December 27). Aquaculture center completed in March. Manila Bulletin, p. B-3.