Training on Basic Molecular Techniques for Detection of Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) and Streptococcus spp.,

The DA-NFRDI-FBC hosted a five-day training on 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐬 (𝐓𝐢𝐋𝐕) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐩. from July 9-12, 2024, at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Freshwater Technology Center (BFAR-NFTC), Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. The program aimed to equip participants with essential skills for early detection and response to disease outbreaks in Philippine aquaculture.

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).