The Department of Agriculture (DA) is committed to realizing the vision of a Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s administration by implementing various programs aimed at achieving food sufficiency and higher incomes for farmers and fisherfolk.
Celebrating its 126th anniversary this year, the DA adopts the theme “Kagawaran ng Agrikultura, Sama-samang Naglilingkod para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.” The event emphasizes the initiatives led by Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., which focus on expanding agricultural and fisheries production, modernizing systems, and enhancing post-harvest facilities and infrastructure.
Established in 1930, the Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), has been at the forefront of advancing the country’s plant industry. It provides services and assistance to the Filipino farmers and consumers through supporting agricultural production and ensuring that affordable and nutritious food is accessible to all Filipinos. The DA-BPI strives to value and satisfy the needs of stakeholders in research and development, production support, and regulatory services.
One of the key strategies has been enhancing seed quality and availability. The Bureau has made significant strides in distributing and regulating high-yield and disease-resistant crop varieties.
A major achievement is the accreditation of the DA-BPI by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). ISTA sets global standards for seed sampling and testing, and this accreditation signifies that the Bureau conforms to these stringent standards. It is the first government seed testing laboratory in the Philippines to achieve such recognition, highlighting the competence of its personnel in performing internationally recognized sampling and testing procedures.
The Bureau’s Integrated Pest Management programs, pest forecasting, research and development, collaboration, and partnerships provide farmers with sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions to combat pests and diseases such as Fall ArmyWorm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Additionally, DA-BPI promotes the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) certification among farmers. PhilGAP certification ensures that agricultural products are produced, processed, and handled in ways that minimize risks to food safety and environmental health, thus enhancing market access and consumer confidence for certified farmers.
In response to the growing demand for food safety, the country’s first Mobile Plant Food Safety Laboratory was launched on April 11, 2024. This mobile laboratory exemplifies DA-BPI’s commitment to advancing food safety testing and management. It allows the Bureau to bring essential food safety services directly to consumers and stakeholders.
Supporting the current administration’s strategic thrust to boost farmers’ incomes, DA-BPI facilitates market access by linking farmers with buyers, processors, and exporters. These connections open up new opportunities for farmers to sell their products at better prices, enhancing their income and livelihoods. In May 2024, DA-BPI opened its doors to the Kadiwa Center, further supporting this initiative. Sales since its launch reached 1.5 million pesos. It is one of the ten sites of the government’s Program 29 (P29) rice program which was launched on July 5.
In 2023, DA-BPI successfully expanded bilateral relations, gaining access to both local and international markets. This expansion included notable achievements such as exporting 3,696 metric tons of Philippine fresh durian worth USD 22,000,000 to China, and shipping Philippine fresh Hass avocados to Korea, totaling 3,040 boxes valued at USD 48,433. Additionally, 1,500 kilograms of Philippine fresh mangoes from Davao were sent to Australia, and 22,500 kilograms of Philippine pili nuts (both in shell and without) were exported to Germany. These accomplishments significantly contribute to the ongoing efforts to secure bilateral and multilateral trade agreements with other countries.
DA-BPI also served as a lead organizer in the first Philippine Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Summit in 2024. The summit, held from May 3 to 6, successfully brought together approximately 900 agricultural practitioners, government policymakers, and stakeholders both local and international. The event focused on harnessing the potential of horticulture and urban agriculture to contribute to the economic growth of Philippine agriculture.
Embracing digital technologies, DA-BPI plans to introduce smart farming solutions that utilize data and technology to optimize agricultural production. These innovations aim to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase yields for farmers. DA-BPI has provided indoor cultivation systems in urban areas and its research centers to demonstrate its capacity to modernize the agricultural sector.
DA-BPI continues to collaborate with the private sector, international organizations, and research institutions to exchange knowledge and expertise. These partnerships enhance the Bureau’s capacity to address agricultural challenges and adopt best practices not just in the local setting but also in the global stage.
As the DA celebrates its 126th anniversary, DA-BPI stays dedicated to supporting the administration’s goals. It will keep working to support the mission to secure food for all Filipinos, ensure the stability and growth of the agricultural sector, and boost the country’s economy.
