To assess progress, share best practices, and plan strategies for the continued success of the AquaBiz School–Technology Business Incubation (ABS-TBI) program, the Department of Agriculture–National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) conducted a project accomplishment and assessment workshop on October 28–29, 2025, at the Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (FFRDC) in Butong, Taal, Batangas.
FFRDC Officer-in-Charge Myleen Magistrado welcomed the participants and underscored the importance of unity, collaboration, and accountability among NFRDI Centers. She encouraged participants to maximize the event as a venue for sharing updates, exchanging insights, and strengthening the program’s direction.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos, Scientist V and Chief of the Training Division, emphasized in his opening message NFRDI’s commitment to advancing fisheries innovation and entrepreneurship through the ABS-TBI program. He encouraged all centers to sustain efforts toward sustainable business incubation, scientific advancement, and partnership development.
Project accomplishments were presented by the Brackishwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (BFRDC), Fisheries Biotechnology Center (FBC), Marine Fisheries Research and Development Center (MFRDC), and FFRDC.
The workshop highlighted 17 emerging aquapreneurs, composed of 13 from FFRDC, two from FBC, and one each from MFRDC and BFRDC. Each center shared updates on project milestones, incubatee performance, facility rehabilitation, and entrepreneurial capacity-building initiatives.
Dr. Santos also facilitated discussions on key issues, including criteria for selecting incubatees and incubation sites, which led to the review and refinement of program guidelines to promote inclusivity, innovation, and regional representation.
Other highlights included the presentation of the Work and Financial Plan (WFP) / Project Procurement Management Plan (PPMP), a workshop on the Project Framework for 2026, and a writeshop on the ABS-TBI Annual Report 2025.
Cathleen Dela Cruz, Science Research Specialist I, delivered a comprehensive synthesis of the workshop outcomes, summarizing proposed improvements, challenges, and forward-looking strategies to enhance the ABS-TBI Program’s reach and impact.
In closing, Dr. Joseph Christopher Rayos, Program Leader of ABS-TBI and Chief of the Aquaculture Research and Development Division (ARDD), commended the participants for their collective dedication. He underscored that collaboration, innovation, and proactive communication are vital to sustaining the success of the ABS-TBI program. ### (Charles Ray Tolentino and Antonette Lorenzana)
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