In this issue: 1) RR Platon gets new SEAFDEC Council Mandate; 2) JHP gets PhD honoris causa from Stockholm; 3) What is R&D really? 4) The hot seat: TVCD in 2003; 5) AQD finances; 6) RDAC to streamline, prioritize AQD programs; 7) 26^th SEAFDEC Program Committee Meeting in Makati; 8) Forum on "Policy Issues in Fisheries"; 9) AQD scientists win Panibagong Paraan award; 10) AQD trains Cavite State U instructors in research; 11) Dan Baliao in Myanmar on FAO assignment; 12) 2003 Highlights: The AQD Chief reports; 13) International Symposium on Koi Herpesvirus Disease