SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
On 10 July 2026, the SEAFDEC Secretary-General, Ms. Sampan Panjarat, was honored to serve as the keynote speaker at the commemorative celebration marking the 53rd Anniversary of the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department (AQD), held at the AQD Tigbauan Main Station in Iloilo, Philippines, under the theme “SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department: 53 Years of Aquaculture Innovation for a Resilient Future”.
In her keynote address, she underscored AQD’s significant achievements in advancing aquaculture through research, technologies and innovation, and capacity building, noting that these efforts have strengthened the region’s productivity, resilience, and food security.
She emphasized that addressing emerging challenges, including climate change, aquatic animal health, and aquafeed development, requires stronger regional collaboration, science-based solutions, and the adoption of innovative technologies. She also reaffirmed AQD’s role as a regional center of excellence in aquaculture research and development, supporting SEAFDEC’s mission to promote sustainable and resilient aquaculture across Southeast Asia.
The celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on AQD’s 53-year legacy while reaffirming its commitment to driving innovation, strengthening regional partnerships, and advancing sustainable aquaculture for a resilient future.
As a side activity during the mission, the SEAFDEC Secretary-General, Ms. Sampan Panjarat, accompanied by the Policy and Program Coordinator, Ms. Pattaratjit Kaewnuratchadasorn, and the Assistant Project Manager for the Japanese Trust Fund Program, Mr. Masahide Kanno, toured the AQD facilities. The SEAFDEC Secretariat delegation was warmly welcomed by the Chief of AQD, Mr. Dan Baliao. The visit showcased AQD’s ongoing research, technological innovations, and development initiatives, highlighting its significant contributions to advancing sustainable aquaculture and supporting fisheries and aquaculture development at the national, regional, and international levels.
