The Department of Agriculture- Fisheries Biotechnology Center (DA-FBC), hosted by DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), highlighted two technologies on red tilapia and mudfish as part of its participation in the 8^th National Biotechnology Week (NBW) celebration held on November 21-25, 2022 at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Pasay City.

The breeding program for the “Developed Adaptable Red (DAR) Tilapia” through biotechnological tools aimed at improving red tilapia’s performance in terms of growth and survival for stocking in different environments (freshwater, brackishwater, and seawater). Red tilapia is a potential substitute or alternative for marine species and other freshwater species for culture in ponds, cages, and tanks.

Meanwhile, “Induced Spawning of Mudfish (Channa striata) using LHRHa+Pimozide” is an ongoing research endeavor that aims to develop practical breeding techniques for mudfish to encourage fisherfolk to cultivate this species to ease fishing pressure from the wild and aid in its conservation.

Information, communication and education (IEC) materials and promotional giveaways related to biotechnology awareness were provided to guests and visitors at DA-FBC booth during the duration of the event.

This year’s theme, “Responding to the Challenges: Business Opportunities in Biotechnology,” sought to showcase the commercial value of modern biotechnology towards the enhancement of the country’s trade, investments, and industrial and overall economic development.

The week-long event included technical fora and webinars on modern biotech applications, exhibits showcasing various biotech-derived products and services, presentations on biotech market outlook and prospects and investment opportunities in modern biotech, career talk, and recognition of people behind recent biotech breakthroughs in the Philippines.

The 18^th NBW was led by the Department of Trade and Industry, through the Board of Investments (BOI). It was conducted in collaboration with DA, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), alongside partner organizations. ### (Cyrenes Moncawe)