New BFAR research center in Bicol inaugurated

14 August 2008
Miko Jazmine J. Mojica

BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar led the inauguration of the rehabilitated administrative building of the Regional Fisheries Research and Development Center (RFRDC) in Bicol at the SDFFN Compound, Cabid-an, Sorsogon City on Aug. 14, 2008.

The rehabilitation/improvement project was funded by BAR under its Institutional Development Grant (IDG) in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office V (BFAR Region V) based in San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur.

The IDG is handled by BAR's Infrastructure Development Unit (IDU) to manage the bureau's R&D Infrastructure Development Program that aims to strengthen the capacities of national and regional agriculture and fisheries R&D centers.

Ms. Aida S. Andayog, RFRDC V manager, invited Director Eleazar to grace the inauguration of the renovated building. During the event, a display of value-added products derived from seaweeds and other fishery resources were showcased. Some of these products which were developed through the center's projects include seaweed noodles and chips, shrimp extract with coconut oil, and canned tuna and beans.

At the sidelines of the event, Director Eleazar also visited the RDE project of BFAR V - RFRDC which was also funded by BAR, the Semi-intensive Milkfish Production. Mr. Dennis V. Del Socorro is the current director of BFAR Region V