A cooperation meeting conducted, during the January 7-12, 2024 Feasibility Study (FS) mission conducted by the Korea Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries – Korea Maritime Institute delegate. Led by KMI Director for International Development Cooperation Haeeun Jeon, Ms. Minjung Lee, and Ms. Haeju Im KMI researchers.

This is for the conduct the Feasibility Study of the new Official Development Assistance (ODA) project proposed for the Strengthening of the Philippines Fisheries Biotechnology Center and Capacity Building and expected to be implemented in FY 2025. The project will be the first ODA project for the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Fisheries Cooperation between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries (MOF) in 2019.

The activity was led by the DA- NFRDI executive director Dr Lilian C Garcia CESO V, Dr Casiano Choresca Jr Center Chief of DA-FBC, with the participation of

Aquaculture Research and Development Division Chief Science Research Specialist Dr. Joseph Christopher C. Rayos , Dr. Mary Nia M. Santos Senior Science Research Specialist, Dr. Minerva Fatimae H. Ventolero Science Research Specialist II / Scientist I

Fisheries Postharvest Research and Development Division Chief Science Research Specialist / Scientist I, Dr. Ulysses M. Montojo

TRAINING DIVISION Chief Training Specialist / Scientist V Dr. Mudjekeewis D. Santos Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center Center Chief / Scientist I Dr. Maria Theresa M. Mutia

Planning, Policy, and Information Division, Chief Marites M. Chiuco , Mirriam M. Cayme Planning Officer III, Tyronne James J. Buico Planning Officer I / OIC- PMES

Present also during the mission is the Agriculture attache in Korea and Japan Ms Maria Alilia Maghirang DA Project Developement Services (PDS) representatives PPRMD Chief Lilibeth Padre And Maria Concepcion R. Cruz The weeklong mission conducted a focus group discussions with the NFRDI caliber researchers, FBC technical staff, BFAR-NFTC representative led by Dr Ma. Jodecel C. Danting, with the section chief Dr Milagros Apaga, and Ms Jesusa Undan, and CLSU College of Fisheries represented by the Dean Dr. Emmanuel Vera Cruz and faculrty researcher Dr. Hazel Peralta. A site visit were also conducted to the farm of NFRDI Techinogy Business school Incubatee, Da- Livestock Biotechnology Center (LBC), DA-Crop Biotechnology Center (CBC), CLSU College of Fisheries / Freshwater Aquaculture Center (FAC).

And a courtesy call was conducted to the Undersecretary in fisheries Usec Drusila Esther E. Bayate