05/05/2026
𝐈𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 || First capacity-building on AMR surveillance in aquaculture was conducted
The DA-Fisheries Biotechnology Center, in collaboration with BFAR-National Fisheries Laboratory Division (NFLD) and NFRDI-Integrated Research Laboratory Division, successfully conducted a four-day training titled “Training on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Bacterial Pathogens of Tilapia and Shrimp,” on April 27-30, 2026, at BFAR-NFTC, CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. The activity was made possible through the support of the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS).
The training strengthened the technical capacities of 30 participants, representing 14 BFAR Regional Fisheries Laboratories (I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VII, VII, X, XI, XII, XIII, and CAR), three BFAR National Centers (NFTC, NFDC, and NBFTC), the NFRDI Central Office, and Surigao del Norte State University.
As a pioneering initiative on AMR surveillance in aquaculture, the program included lectures and hands-on training covering sample preparation, bacterial isolation, purification, preservation, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Additionally, participants were familiarized with molecular approaches for isolate identification and the detection of antimicrobial resistance genes.
Dr. Ralph Carolyn Cabug from FAO-ECTAD Philippines presented “Antimicrobial Resistance in One Health: FAO Initiatives and Challenges in Aquaculture.,” The session provided an overview of the efforts, gaps, and challenges in combating AMR, including the impact of climate change in the spread of AMR.
Dr. Jeryl Belle C. Rafanan of BFAR-NFLD discussed “AMR Surveillance in Aquaculture.” This lecture offered insights into the development of the Philippine National Action Plan to Combat AMR and how BFAR has incorporated PNAP strategies into its initiatives.
Dr. Francis S. Legario of ISATU served as the primary resource person for the duration of the training. He provided in-depth lectures on AST protocols and standards, identification of Vibrio, Streptococcus, and Aeromonas isolates, and molecular techniques for bacterial identification and AMR marker screening.
This activity is part of the ICARS-funded project, "Strengthening Climate-Responsive AMR Policies in Philippine Aquaculture Surveillance, through Integrated Intervention, and Stakeholder Engagement." This initiative falls under the ICARS program to integrate AMR mitigation with climate-smart livestock and aquaculture systems in Asia and the Pacific.
