Agrilink, Foodlink, and Aqualink 2010 at the World Trade Center

The Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development, Inc. will be presenting the 17th International Agribusiness Exhibition and Seminars, the 11th International Food Processing, Packaging and Products Exhibition, and the 6th National Fisheries Exhibition and Seminars on October 7-9, 2010 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

With this year's theme, Good Agricultural Practices: Key to Competitiveness, the exhibit will focus on the continuous rapid changing of our agricultural landscape, nature of globalization of world trade, environmental degradation and a host of other factors have led the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO) to formulate the global standard called Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to apply to a wide range of farming systems at different scales.

Moreover, this event is also supported by Agri-Aqua Network International, Bureau of Animal Industry, Cooperative Development Authority, Food Entrepreneurs and Exporters of the Philippines, Inc., Federation of Cattle Raisers Association of the Philippines, Federation of Goat and Sheep Producers and Associations of the Philippines, Inc., Livestock Development Council, National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc., National Onion Growers Cooperative Marketing Association, Organic Producers Trade Association, Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association, Philippine Association of Free-Range Poultry Advocates, Inc., Philippine Association of Hog Raisers, Inc., Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc., Philippine Coconut Authority, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Philippine Rice Research Institute, Philippine Sugar Research Institute Foundation, Postharvest Horticulture Training and Research Center, Technology Resource Center, Vegetable Industry Council (Region IV-A)

For interested exhibitors, you may reach the Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development, Inc. at (632) 838-4852, 838-4549, 838-4491, 8384605, frld@pldtdsl.net or frld.agrilink@gmail.com.

6th National Convention of Fisherfolks in Baguio City

The 6th National Convention of Fisherfolks was held in the beautiful mountain resort of Baguio city last June 4, 2010.

The convention focuses on discussing the current issues in the industry.  Specifically noted that the lucrative fishing industry still has a bright future in helping perk up the economic growth due to the availability of vast water resources which could be tapped for commercial fish production even at the height of the El Nino phenomenon or prolonged dry spell.

According to Gil Adora, Assistant Director for Technical Services of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), while rivers and lake are drying up due to the serious negative effects of the onslaught of El Nino in the country, the trend that must be adopted by the fisherfolks is to develop fish production areas in the vast track of salt waters in different parts of the country in order to sustain fish self-sufficiency in the coming years.

Moreover, Adora asserted that despite natural calamities, the country's fishing industry still has bright future and it should be tapped and supported by concerned agencies so that it will also make a difference in the country's economic growth. Official figure shows that the Philippines is the eighth top fish producer in the world with its coastline length of about 36,289 kilometers.

For more information, contact Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources at (632) 929-9597, 929-8074, email info@bfar.da.gov.ph or visit http://www.bfar.da.gov.ph.

PALHS AquaFiesta 2010

“It is our aim that maybe in the near future, we can make Aquafiesta an international event here in the Philippines and thus help lift up the ornamental fish industry,” PALHS President Vigilart “Archie” David said in an interview about the AquaFiesta 2010.This aim buoyed even more as the event exhibited its underwater grandeur at Tiendesitas, Pasig City last April 26 to May 2.

The event was a successful plunge for the Philippine Arowana and Luo Han Society (PALHS), the event’s organizing team, in line with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) Ornamental Fish Week fete. PALHS is a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to providing assistance and reliable information through sharing knowledge, experiences and ideas for those that enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of keeping Arowana, Lou Han (Flowerhorn) and other types of freshwater and marine fishes. It is also the objective of PALHS to encourage, aid, and spread the enjoyment of the aquarium hobby in the Philippines.

AquaFiesta 2010 displayed Arowana Shows and the first ever Koi and Goldfish Shows. Competitions of fish breeds between aquarium hobbyists were also held at the event that made the Team Cebu homed six out of seven trophies from different Koi and other fish breeds categories.

AquaFiesta 2010 is sponsored by Tiendesitas, Las Farolas – the Water World, TOMiGAi, Manila Bulletin, Agriculture Magazine, and Viking. The event which is also supported by BFAR also has a special acknowledgment to Mr. Henry G. Babiera,

For more information, you can visit PALHS’s website at mypalhs.com or contact them at (0922) UR-PALHS (87-72547).

Aquatech Convention in Bohol

The 2010 Aquatech Aquaculture Convention Philippines was commenced last April 6-8 at Bohol Beach Club, Panglao, Bohol. It features the 1st Aquaculture Technical and Business Development Seminar in conjunction with the 1st Aquaculture Technology Expo.

Keynote Speakers that share expertise and experience include: Rose Mueda from the Institute of Fish Processing Technology of University of the Philippines—Visayas, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences; Albert G. Gaitan, Station Head of Igang Marine Station Technology and Demonstration Division (SEAFDEC); Florencio A. Aparri, Agriculturist from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region VII; Edgardo B. Delfin from the Mariculture Zone Park Regional Coordinator of BFAR-VII; Tiburcio C. Donaire, Chief of Fisheries Extension and Communication Division – BFAR VII; Marion Ruinata, Regional Research and Development Coordinator of BFAR VII; Larson S. Tan, Regional Marketing Coordinator and Chief Training and Communication Section of BFAR VII.

Aside from lectures, the expo also features technical tour at Calape Mariculture Park & Bohol Country Side Tour. Primarily sponsored by B-MEG Aquatic Feeds partners of the events include the Manila Bulletin, MB Agriculture, Business Mirror, Sun star, and Events QUality and Interactive Promotions, Inc. (equip).

Creativity and Greener Production in the Seventh Philippine Shrimp Congress

Shrimps are one, if not the most sought after crop in Philippine aquatic culture, despite difficulties in its cultivation. Shrimps have always been a prized gourmet food for Filipinos and also generates a sizeable economic income. Its cultivation is an age old tradition and regarded as an art that has brought pride to farmers.

Armed with this knowledge, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) organized the Seventh Philippine Shrimp Congress at the Planta Hotel in Bacolod City last March 17–19.

Themed “Greener Production Technologies and Creative Marketing,” the three-day biannual conference and trade fair drew around 500 participants who are also practitioners of the industries of grow-out farming, hatchery operation, feed milling, processing/exporting, and input supplies.

For more information about the conference, reservations, and general inquiries, please call the secretariat at tele-fax number (034) 433-2131. You may also visit the BFAR and/or the event website.

Specialized Pavilions Highlighted Agrilink 2009

Three specialized exhibit pavilions that caters to agribusiness, food and aquaculture industry players highlighted Agrilink, Foodlink, Aqualink 2009 held last October 8 – 10, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Organized by the Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development, Inc., (FRLD) the international exhibit will carry the theme, “Sustainable Food Production: Focus on the Filipino Market”. This year’s Agrilink, Foodlink, and Aqualink aims to focus on micro-enterprises that cater primarily to domestic consumption, which can help assure sustainable local food production.

One of the highlights of the three-day international event was the grand aquaculture exhibit which has live fresh and salt water fish species such as pompano, siganid, grouper, vannamei, seabass, koi, abalone, snapper, red tilapia, sea urchin, macrobrachium (ulang), sea cucumber, seaweeds, pangasius, tilapia, milkfish (bangus) and other tropical and ornamental fishes.

The International Livestock, Dairy, Meat Processing, and Aquaculture Expo (ILDEX) pavilion showcased the latest technology and business solutions from Argentina, China, Korea, Thailand, the Netherlands, the Philippines, UK, and USA.

Finally, the French Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (Le Club) housed 15 leading French agricultural firms that displayed a wide range of French products and services that could help boost the growth of the local and global agribusiness industry.

Other highlights of the event included international indoor and outdoor exhibits, live plant and animal displays, product launches and demos, technology and marketing presentations, onsite contests, wholesale and retail, and many other business activities.

Agrilink, Foodlink, Aqualink 2009 is supported by Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Agricultural and Fishery Council, and sponsored by San Miguel Foods, Inc., (B-MEG, San Miguel Animal Health Care, Monterey Foods Corp., and Magnolia Chicken), Univet Nutrition and Animal Healthcare Company (Univet, Pigrolac, and Thunderbird), and Belmont AgriCorp.

For more information, contact the FRLD at (632) 838-4549, 838-4852; fax 838-4573; or email frld@pldtdsl.net.

First Shellfish Summit Aims at Increasing Fisher Folk’s Lives

The Asian Fisheries Academy (AFA) and the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-BFAR-NFRDI), together with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research (DOST-PCAMRD) conducted the first ever National Shellfish Summit at Dagupan City in Pangasinan last Sept. 23–24.

According to PCAMRD director Cesario Pagdilao, this summit is particularly geared to gather information on available shellfish technologies, markets, culture and processing. Mr. Pagdilao also said that the summit is concentrated in the study of the molluscan species of the shellfish kingdom.

Meanwhile, Dr. Westly Rosario, interim executive director of the NFRDI, said that a five-year road map for the industry shall have been drawn after the two-day event. A resolution for the promotion of shellfish as a valuable resource was also included in the output of the conference.

The two-day event saw to several discussions and presentations regarding the local and international shellfish industry, as well as workshops based on specific lines of expertise including biology, ecology, and assessment; broodstock development and seed production; culture; and processing, marketing trade, and promotion.

More than 300 participant from all over the country participated in the event, representing various sectors of the agriculture and aquaculture communities.

For interested parties, please contact the PCAMRD Los Baños Secretariat at (049) 536-55 or the AFA/NFRDI at Bonuan Binlec, Dagupan at (075) 653-0305.

Marine Biodiversity Emphasized at MAMARE ‘09

Issues on marine biodiversity were emphasized during the Manila Aqua Marine and Aquatic Resources Exposition (MAMARE) 2009 held last August 20 – 23, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Organized by Lotty Events Management, the event carried the theme "Sustaining the Philippines as the Crown Jewel of Marine Biodiversity in the Entire Planet”. It is considered as a most significant gathering of marine and aquatic environmentalists, celebrities, government organizations and nongovernment organizations (NGOs), technical experts, inputs suppliers, manufacturers, investors and many others.

MAMARE aims to provide a single venue for the promotion of various aspects of the Philippine marine environment, including: marine conservation, water utilization, habitat preservation, marine development, water sports, travel, tourism and recreation. In addition, it aims to advance the agriculture, aquaculture and other potential business investments and opportunities in the country.

The four-day event showcased innovations and latest technologies in the maritime industry (commercial marine and government agencies), sports & recreation, hobbies, fashion, food, art, schools, tourism, shipping etc. Business opportunities lectures in aquaculture and mariculture, seminars on marine lifestyles best practices were also conducted by experts in the industry. A Marine and Aquatic Advocacy Contests and Aqua Art Demo was opened for students in order to encourage the youth to participate in marine conservation. Entertainment, fashion and ramp modeling shows also highlighted the exposition.

Proceeds from the event were directed to the nationwide programs of marine preservation and conservation of Bantay Kalikasan Program of ABS-CBN Foundation. One of the beneficiary was the municipality of Pola in Oriental Mindoro, which is the center of marine biodiversity.

Manila Aqua Marine and Aquatic Resources Exposition 2009 is in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, NU 107, Agri-Aqua Network International, Inc., and DWWW 774 kHz.

For more information about the event, contact Lotty Events Management at (632) 391-3461, 391-3474, fax (632) 311-1488, or email lottyevents@yahoo.com

Government Staged First Siganid Summit for Fisherfolks

Various government councils involved in aquaculture and marine life development and research staged for the fisherfolks of Pangasinan the First National Summit on Hatchery and Culture of Siganid (Rabbitfish). The event was held last March 10 –12, 2009 at the Asian Fisheries Academy, in Binloc, Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

The summit was jointly organized by the National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center and National Fisheries and Development Institute (NFRDI) of the Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD) of the Department of Science and Technology.

The summit aims to gather information on the present practices and available technologies on siganids (Siganus spp.), identify gaps in the development of rabbitfish hatchery and culture industry, identify strategies for the formulation of a five-year road map for the industry, and prepare a resolution for the promotion of rabbitfish as high-value cultivable species.

Topics discussed during the event include:

• Taxonomy and Geographical Distribution of Siganids in the Philippines
• First Feeding in Wild Siganid Larvae Inferred from Otolith Microstructure
• Alge and Reproductive Potential of Domesticated Siganus guttatus Breeders
• Status of the Siganids Fry Production in Northern Mindanao
• Feed Quality and Nutrition Standards
• Nutritional Study on Siganids
• Feeds and feeding trials of siganids for culture
• Culture techniques for Siganids
• Cage Culture of Siganid
• Developments on Hatchery and Culture of Siganids
• Status & Prospects of Siganid Hatchery and Culture in the Philippines
• Broodstock Development & Hatchery Techniques
• Seagrass Ecosystems in Relation to Siganids
• Population Dynamics of Siganids
• Diseases & Emergency Preparedness
• Diseases of Siganids
• Best Aquaculture Practices Postharvest, Market & Trade, & Promotion
• Philippine National Standard for Dried Danggit
• Siganid Processing in Bantayan Island, Cebu
• Padas Processing in Pangasinan
• Improved Processing of Lamayo from Siganids in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

The First National Summit on Hatchery and Culture of Siganid is sponsored by Tateh Aquafeeds.