A VACCINE that will fight Tilapia Lake virus will soon be developed due to a partnership between the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) and the Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU).

Dr. Lilian C. Garcia, DA-NFRDI executive director, said that the two-year agreement aimed to conduct fishery research, particularly in developing an oral subunit protein vaccine specifically designed to combat the Tilapia Lake virus.

The project will harness the innovative Baculovirus Expression Vector System (BEVS).

Garcia disclosed that the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) will fund the project, which will evaluate the vaccine’s safety, effectiveness and production costs within controlled laboratory conditions.

She said that the role of tilapia aquaculture is very important in ensuring food security and the industry’s responsibility to provide a consistent and sustainable food supply.

“The issue of food security is critical, not only within the Philippines but globally. Climate change, the pandemic and geopolitical events have disrupted food security.

Additionally, the status of our coastal areas adds complexity to the situation. In this context, prioritizing aquaculture is imperative due to its potential in food production,” Dr. Garcia said.

Dr. Tzong-Yuan Wu, head of the Genetic Engineering Laboratory and dean of the College of Science of CYCU, expressed optimism on the potential for ongoing cooperation with DA-NFRDI in addressing various fisheries-related challenges.

Meanwhile, scientist Dr. Casiano Choresca Jr., chief of the DA-Fisheries Biotechnology Center (FBC), will serve as the project leader.

He also serves as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) at NFRDI’s Brackish Fisheries Research and Development Center (BFRDC).

Also present during the agreement signing was Dr. Jodecel Danting, chief of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center (BFAR-NFFTC), who emphasized the essential role of disease diagnostics in the fisheries industry.

This recognition highlights the proactive measures needed to protect aquatic ecosystems and the livelihoods they support.

Fedelia Flor Mero, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST-PCAARRD, emphasized the broader significance of this collaborative endeavor.

Beyond advancing scientific knowledge, it sets the stage for future partnerships with DOST and NFRDI across various fisheries-related fields.