ABS-CBN Dagupan
DAGUPAN - Pangasinan 4th district Rep. Jose De Venecia Jr. officially inaugurated the first National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory to support the escalating industry for Penaues Vannamei or white shrimps in the country.
The laboratory would provide health management and disease diagnostic services not only for Vannamei (white shrimps) but also for Tilapia and Bangus.
NFRDI Aqua health lab would provide support to farmers on record keeping, health management and gross clinical examination of the cultured animal.
De Venecia pioneered Vannamei in Dagupan. He said the industry would augment every fisherman's income.
Therefore it was named after him. Previously, "Ulang", also known as Hipon Ni Gloria" was introduced in Dagupan and named after President Arroyo.
According to a 2007 survey prepared by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Vannamei production alone covers up 81% of the world market.
Current Philippine production of shrimp is 30,000 MT for Penaues Vannamei.
Among the country’s products, shrimps and prawns register the highest foreign exchange earner at $100 million per year, and 60% of the country's shrimp production goes to the local market while the rest is exported to Japan and other countries.
