As we constantly strive for the growth and development of Aurora marine resources, this year we welcome the new Executive Director of Aurora Marine Research and Development Institute (AMRDI) Dr. Miguel Fortes. His designation took effect on January 2, 2013.

Among the AMRDI Advisory Board are ASCOT President Dr. Eusebio V. Angara, the Office of Senator Edgardo J. Angara, UPMSI DirectorDr. Marie Antonette J. Meñez , NRCP, BFAR Region 3, and PCARRD.

Also joining the AMRDI are the Project leaders, consisting of Dr. Cesar Villanoy for Oceanography, Dr. Fortes fro Biodiversity, Dr. Lourdes Cruz for Biotechnology, and Mr. Michael Atrigenio for Ecosystem studies.

ASCOT Director for Research Dr. Eutiquio Rotaquio was designated to be the OIC Project Management officer for AMDRI. With him are other administrative officers – Jonnie Glorioso as Project Assistant, Caroline Bautista and Angela Zerrudo as Project Management Assistants, Myra Vallejo as Property custodian, Keycee Aguilar, Mary Kate Gonzales and Judith Jardinez as Administrative aides.

Research assistants of the projects are Dr. Marvelisa Carmona, Jestonee Bitong, Kristine Rose Doringo, Joer Ef Ferreras, Joel Rolloda and Aime Dela Pena, and Fraklin Dela Pena as Research assistant aide.

All of the new AMRDI personnel were present in the Strategic Planning and team building workshop held at the UP Marine Science Institute in Diliman, Quezon City, last February 11 and 12, 2013. The workshop was done to give reports on last year’s projects and also plan new projects for this year. (CTOlivar)