A modern biotechnology laboratory is being built here. The construction of the Japanese government-funded, P431-million laboratory for advanced aquaculture technologies is a joint initiative of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center-Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD) and the Department of Agriculture (DA). It is scheduled to be completed in March 2003. The Philippine-hosted AQD, now headed by Dr. Rolando R. Platon, is one of the four technical departments of SEAFDEC, a regional treaty organization established in 1967 to promote fisheries development in Southeast Asia.

P431-M modern, biotech lab being built in Iloilo town: Project funded by Japanese government. (2002, June 11). Manila Bulletin, p. 1.