Angolan Fisheries Minister visits UPV for academic and research collaboration
His Excellency, Hon. Dr. Salomao Xirimbimbi, Angolan Minister of Fisheries was at the scenic campus of UP Visayas in Miagao on July 7, 2009 to explore academic and research collaboration with the University.
Angola is found in south central Africa and bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the north, Namibia on the south, and Zambia on the east. It faces the Atlantic Ocean on the western side. Formerly a Portuguese colony (from the 16th century to 1975), the newly independent country experienced a heated civil war from 1975 until 2002.
During the last two years after a peace treaty was signed between warring factions, Angola has experienced a surge in its economy, considered as the second fastest growing in Africa and one of the fastest in the world. Oil is the main driving force of its economy.
The Minister was accompanied by Hon. Flávio Fonseca, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Angola; Hon. Etienne Brechet, Philippine Honorary Consul General in Luanda; and Hon. Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr., Philippine Ambassador to Pretoria.
Prof. Ma. Joji B. Tan, Director of the UPV Information and Publications Office, started the meeting with a Power Point Presentation on UPV. Prof. Roman Sanares, Director of the Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology and OIC of the Dean of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, gave a brief orientation about the College.
In his meeting with UPV officials led by UPV Chancellor Dr. Minda J. Formacion and several faculty members of the University, the Minister expressed his country’s desire to send Angolan students to study in the Fisheries and Marine Biology programs of UPV. Among others, he said that his country needs to establish strong fisheries schools to meet the needs of people, thus opening a possibility for UPV faculty members to teach in Angola.
“Having no meat is not a big deal in Angola. But when there is no fish, or there is a shortage of fish, it becomes a political issue,” he said, underscoring the need to meet the demands of the industry. (Lyncen M. Fernandez/UPV)