BPI lauded for role in agricultural innovation, biotechnology
Margust Dela Cerna | August 19, 2024
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the important role of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) in improving agricultural innovation, food production, and safety, as well as promoting biotechnology to ensure food security for the growing Filipino population.
He highlighted the agency’s vital contributions to the nation’s agricultural development by supporting farmers, protecting crops, and ensuring safe food for millions of people.
“The achievements in 2024 reflect our commitment to increased production support, better training and services, strengthened research and regulations, and new export opportunities. By using technology and innovation, we aim to keep agriculture as a key driver of national growth,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said.
Looking forward to 2025, he shared that BPI will focus on improving farm productivity, strengthening the plant industry, encouraging entrepreneurship, and advancing biotechnology to build a more resilient agricultural sector. This involves increasing reserves of climate-resilient seeds, supporting local seed production, and advancing crop research.
BPI also plans to expand market access for high-value crops and develop infrastructure such as cold storage and food processing facilities. To make food more affordable, BPI will introduce a permanent KADIWA NG PANGULO sa BPI, which is an extension of its successful weekend Kadiwa program that has benefited both farmers and consumers.
BPI will continue its efforts in sustainable pest management, enhancing food safety, and streamlining seed certification processes. Secretary Tiu Laurel noted the upgrade of laboratories and training for quarantine officers to better support the plant industry.
He further stressed BPI’s commitment to building international partnerships, hosting global meetings, and advancing programs for food safety and agricultural trade. These initiatives aim to create a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive agricultural sector that meets both local and global food security needs.
He highlighted the agency’s vital contributions to the nation’s agricultural development by supporting farmers, protecting crops, and ensuring safe food for millions of people.
“The achievements in 2024 reflect our commitment to increased production support, better training and services, strengthened research and regulations, and new export opportunities. By using technology and innovation, we aim to keep agriculture as a key driver of national growth,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said.
Looking forward to 2025, he shared that BPI will focus on improving farm productivity, strengthening the plant industry, encouraging entrepreneurship, and advancing biotechnology to build a more resilient agricultural sector. This involves increasing reserves of climate-resilient seeds, supporting local seed production, and advancing crop research.
BPI also plans to expand market access for high-value crops and develop infrastructure such as cold storage and food processing facilities. To make food more affordable, BPI will introduce a permanent KADIWA NG PANGULO sa BPI, which is an extension of its successful weekend Kadiwa program that has benefited both farmers and consumers.
BPI will continue its efforts in sustainable pest management, enhancing food safety, and streamlining seed certification processes. Secretary Tiu Laurel noted the upgrade of laboratories and training for quarantine officers to better support the plant industry.
He further stressed BPI’s commitment to building international partnerships, hosting global meetings, and advancing programs for food safety and agricultural trade. These initiatives aim to create a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive agricultural sector that meets both local and global food security needs.
