The Interim Structure and staff that initially comprised our Institute was firmed up through Administrative Order (AO) No. 25 Series of 1999 dated 07 June 1999.  This AO instructed the Central Office, the National Centers and ROSes to identify personnel from existing technical divisions and/or technical units to form the NFRDI research staff and interested qualified staff who shall conduct R & D activities to be assigned to NFRDI.

Three years after our creation, 49 permanent personnel from the Research Division of BFAR were transferred to compose the NFRDI’s warm bodies and its National Research Centers. 

After a long wait, on 15 February 2019, the NFRDI plantilla was finally approved with the release of the Notice of Organization Staffing and Compensation Action (NOSCA) from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). 

Presently, 37 personnel are doing multi-task administrative and technical activities.  They are being supported by 128 Contract of Service (COS) personnel and 19 Job Order employees (enumerators) whose contracts are being renewed every six (6) months.

With the release of our plantilla, we are now gearing towards our transformation to steadfastly set the pace for the realization of an Abundant Harvest and High Income (Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita) vision for the fisherfolk of our country.