The Regional Freshwater Aquaculture Technology Demonstration Center (RFATDeC) in Brgy. Nanguyudan, Paoay, Ilocos Norte, a technology outreach station of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Regional Fisheries Office 1 (BFAR-RFO1), successfully completed a crucial technical scoping exercise during the first week of June 2025. This exercise is a mandatory step in establishing an Aqua-Business Technology Incubation (ABTI) Center, a key component of the Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments (MARLIN) program under the FishCoRe Project, supported by the World Bank.

Led by World Bank consultant Johny Wright, the scoping process involved a comprehensive focus-group discussion. Atty. Jerick Christian P. Dagdagan, Officer-in-Charge of RFATDeC, presented a detailed overview of the center’s profile, operational capabilities, and management structure. The discussion also included valuable input from Remely B. Lachica, MARLIN Head and FCU1 Alternate Focal Person;

representatives from the Regional Project Implementation Unit 6 (RPIU6): Desiree Donceras, Marivi Abobo, and Jefferson Ongoco; and from the National Project Management Office, Denz Togonon and Krystal Paulie Balolo.

Following the productive discussions, the team conducted a thorough on-site assessment of the RFATDeC facilities. This comprehensive evaluation aimed to identify areas for improvement and ensure the center’s readiness for its transformation into a state-of-the-art ABTI Center. The World Bank’s technical assistance and expertise will be crucial in establishing this center, fostering innovation and growth within the freshwater aquaculture sector of region 1. The new ABTI Center will provide vital support to local entrepreneurs, contributing to the region’s economic development and sustainability.