Dr. Lilibeth Afan of BFAR-NFTC welcomed participants from the BFAR Laboratory Division in various regions of the country, emphasizing the training’s importance in enhancing aquaculture management. Furthermore, NFRDI Executive Director Dr. Lilian C. Garcia highlighted the critical role of research in addressing food security and the challenges posed by fish diseases, particularly stressing tilapia as the “fish food of the century.”

Esteemed speakers, including Dr. Joseph Adrian G. Loja, Dr. Francis S. Legario, and Ms. Jean Ellice P. Roy shared their expertise, enriching the training with practical insights from extensive research experience covering topics that include fish morphology, data collection, bacterial isolation and purification, DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and antibiotic susceptibility testing.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Casiano H. Choresca Jr., Center Chief and Scientist I of the Fisheries Biotechnology Center, urged participants to apply their newfound knowledge to advance sustainable aquaculture practices. He emphasized the transformative potential of integrating molecular techniques within BFAR laboratories, foreseeing significant improvements in fish health management and early detection methods. Dr. Choresca concluded with a motivating message: “Ibahagi ninyo ang inyong natutunan sa iba upang mapalaganap ang kaalaman at lumikha ng positibong pagbabago” (Share what you have learned with others to spread knowledge and create positive change).