Seventeen aquaculture entrepreneurs became the first graduates of the AquaBiz School–Technology Business Incubation (ABS-TBI) program of the DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) following a graduation ceremony held on March 4 at the Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (FFRDC) in Butong, Taal, Batangas.

“Today marks a historic and meaningful milestone, not only for our graduating incubatees, as this is the first time we are celebrating such a graduation, but also for the ABS-TBI Program itself, highlighting NFRDI’s expanding role in turning research-driven ideas into viable agri-fisheries enterprises,” said NFRDI Executive Director Maria Theresa Mutia in her welcome message.

DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero delivered the message of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel. “To our graduates, you are proof that science-based innovation, when paired with determination and proper support, can translate into real economic opportunity. Your completion of the program’s training, enterprise development activities, and technology adoption milestones signals your readiness to stand as independent aquapreneurs, capable of contributing to food security, job creation, and inclusive growth in our fisheries sector,” she said.

The ABS-TBI program is Caballero’s brainchild envisioned as a pioneering platform that brings together education, extension, and business incubation. Its goal is to transform traditional fish farming into competitive, sustainable, and technology-driven aquabusinesses.

Also present were BFAR Assistant Director Isidro Velayo, Jr., BFAR Calabarzon Director Sammy Malvas, BFAR FISHCORE Deputy Director Jessica Muñoz, Batangas Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Rodrigo Bautista, Maribel M. Orense of the Kalipunan ng mga Mangingisdang Mangangalaga sa Lawa ng Taal, Inc. (KMMLT), NFRDI officials and staff, and representatives from various partner agencies.

Established in 2023 by DA-NFRDI, the program has supported 77 incubatees nationwide, equipping them with mature aquaculture and postharvest technologies, hands-on training, access to advanced facilities, startup inputs, and tailored business development support. Through the program, NFRDI transfers mature aquaculture and postharvest technologies while strengthening the technical and entrepreneurial capacity of participants.

By fulfilling these program requirements, the graduates were conferred as certified ABS-TBI aquapreneurs, signifying their readiness to operate independent aquabusiness ventures while contributing to the growth of the country’s fisheries sector.

Following graduation, the new aquapreneurs will transition to the program’s post-incubation phase, where they will continue receiving mentorship and support to further strengthen their enterprises and ensure the sustainability of their operations.

“This graduation is not the end of our engagement with you; we hope that we can still tap you in the future as mentors, perhaps for our next incubatees. You serve as the perfect role models for them, since you have already undergone the rigorous training they are about to experience,” concluded, Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos, Scientist V and ABS-TBI program leader. ### (Rita dela Cruz)