SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
The ASEAN-JICA Food Value Chain Development Project (AJFVC), a comprehensive technical cooperation effort between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), partnered with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) to conduct the Training Course on Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) for Extension Workers held from 23 February to 4 March 2026, at Tigbauan Main Station, Iloilo, Philippines.
The ten-day course was attended by seven extension officers from ASEAN Member States: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. By the end of the course, participants are expected to (1) understand the importance of GAqP in the Food Value Chain, (2) grasp the concepts and approaches of GAqP, and (3) encourage the adoption of GAqP in each country.
The Start of GAqP Learnings
During the opening ceremonies, Dr. Leobert de la Peña, the technical lead officer of the AJFVC Output 3 GAqP and Research Division Head of SEAFDEC/AQD, welcomed the participants and expressed a shared commitment to strengthening responsible, science-based, and sustainable aquaculture practices. He further emphasized the vital role of the participants, who will act as bridges between research institutions and farming communities, ensuring that knowledge is translated into practical, field-level impact.
The Chief of SEAFDEC/AQD, Mr. Dan D. Baliao, expressed his gratitude to JICA for its ongoing support and collaboration in advancing capacity development for these initiatives. He then hoped that the participants would help foster more resilient and responsible aquaculture development in the region.
Mr. Hashimoto Yohei, the Director of the Agricultural and Rural Development Group 1, Team1, Economic Development Department of JICA, delivered an impactful online message to the participants and expressed gratitude to SEAFDEC/AQD for their technical expertise and dedication in organizing and conducting the training program.
Experience is the BEST teacher
On the first day of the training course, the participants presented their respective country reports, which included the status, impacts, gaps, and issues experienced in implementing GAqP. They were equipped with additional knowledge through lectures on marine and freshwater fish and crustaceans GAqP on the succeeding days. The participants actively engaged in hands-on sessions, including field trips to a private farm and a laboratory to experience recent industry practices.
Successful Conclusion of GAqP Training Course for Extension Workers
During the closing ceremonies, Dr. Michelle Patoc, a participant from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippines, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the group for the valuable opportunity to participate in the training on GAqP. She mentioned that the training provided a strong platform for regional collaboration and encouraged them to reflect on current systems to become better advocates for good aquaculture practices in their respective areas.
In his message, the Deputy Chief of SEAFDEC/AQD, Dr. Takahiro Sajiki, also emphasized the importance of the GAqP Training Course for participants’ application to challenges and issues such as unstable aquaculture production, the lack of established aquaculture production systems that ensure product safety and environmental sustainability, and insufficient knowledge of aquaculture technologies.
Another message during the closing ceremonies was delivered virtually by Ms. Umezaki Michiko, the Chief Advisor of the AJFVC, highlighting that the GAqP training course is an important milestone for AJFVC with a broader impact, increased capacity at the national level, better aquaculture practices, and ultimately safer, higher-quality aquaculture products across the ASEAN region. Additionally, she expressed JICA’s deepest gratitude to SEAFDEC/AQD and all partners for their close collaboration, commitment, and cooperation, which are highly valued and essential to the success of this regional initiative.
To formally conclude the training course, Dr. Edgar Amar, Head of the Training and Information Division at SEAFDEC/AQD, reminded participants that the future of the aquaculture industry depends on the practices currently adopted—safe, sustainable, and responsible. He also emphasized that the training on GAqP is more than just a course; it represents a commitment to producing safe, high-quality food products for consumers in ways that comply with international trade standards, enhance livelihoods, and protect the natural resources. He then challenged participants to identify at least three new ideas they can immediately implement to improve their biosecurity, feed management, or record-keeping. The bigger goal is that food products in Southeast Asia will be recognized for their quality and safety, and for being produced responsibly and sustainably.
Note:
SEAFDEC/AQD was established in 1973 to conduct research, develop technologies, disseminate information, and train individuals in farming fishes, crustaceans, mollusks, and seaweeds for food, livelihood, equity, and sustainable development. AQD has a history of over 50 years, providing expertise in aquaculture development that incorporates good aquaculture practices across the Southeast Asian region.
