The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) commemorates 95 years of dedicated service to the agricultural sector with the theme, Thrive at 95: Innovating for Climate Resiliency Towards Food and Nutrition Security. Marking nearly a century of agricultural innovation, the celebration highlights BPI’s critical role in fostering a resilient, sustainable, and secure agriculture sector for the nation.
In his keynote address, BPI Director Dr. Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban emphasized the Bureau’s enduring commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and global food insecurity. “The Bureau remains steadfast in its mission to develop and implement strategies that help farmers and the broader agricultural sector adapt, grow, and thrive,” Dr. Panganiban shared.
Milestone Accomplishments in 2024 Production Support Services:
• Distributed over 26,942 kilograms of vegetable seeds, benefiting 790 individuals and 217 groups, including white potato, lowland vegetable, and legume seeds.
• Provided 517,601 planting materials for fruit crops and alternative staple food crops to 520 individuals and 508 groups, bolstering food production and livelihood sustainability.
• Promoted eco-friendly pest management practices by distributing 10,494 biological control agents, such as earwigs, lacewings, and beneficial fungi, nationwide.
Urban Agriculture Initiatives:

• Established 10 urban and peri-urban gardens in Laguna, Guimaras, and Nueva Valencia, fostering food security and community resilience.
• Supported 2 school gardens and 1 community garden in Negros Occidental to encourage agricultural education and collaboration.
Research and Development:
• Initiated 9 new research studies and sustained 40 ongoing projects, focusing on varietal improvement, crop pest management, and sustainable cultural practices.
• Advanced Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) conservation efforts, processing diverse crops to preserve biodiversity for future generations.
• Launched the BPI Intellectual Property Management Office (BPI-IPMO) to safeguard agricultural innovations and strengthen intellectual property rights management.
Regulatory Achievements:

• Issued over 79,719 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances, enabling increased trade activities and ensuring compliance.
• Conducted 459,583 phytosanitary inspections to protect agricultural resources from pests and diseases.
• Facilitated market access for fresh and frozen durian, fresh mangoes, and pomelo to countries such as Malaysia, China, Lebanon, Poland, and Japan.
Pest Management Innovations:
• Distributed 429 pheromone lures, 925 biopesticides, and 596 synthetic pesticides, successfully managing Fall Armyworm infestations in 18,067 hectares.
Promoting Food Safety and Market Access:
• Accredited 1,034 seed growers and certified 1,800,325 seed bags, ensuring high-quality planting materials for farmers.
• Conducted 14 information caravans and certified 757,056 seedlings to support sustainable agriculture.
Highlights from 2024
Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) Initiative:
• Launched in partnership with DA-AMAS, serving nearly 1,000 individuals weekly and generating Php 8.3 million in sales, including Php 2.8 million under the Rice for All and P29 programs.
First Philippine Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Summit:
• Attracted 900 participants, highlighting the role of horticulture and urban agriculture in driving food security, agri-entrepreneurship, and community development.
BPI Unveils Plans for a Sustainable and Resilient Agricultural Future
A Vision for the Future
As BPI enters its 95th year, the Bureau remains committed to fostering agricultural resilience and innovation. “These achievements are more than numbers; they are stories of transformation—of farmers gaining resources, communities becoming self-sufficient, and youth discovering the value of agriculture,” Dr. Panganiban concluded.
The Bureau of Plant Industry calls on all stakeholders to unite in advancing sustainability, food security, and growth for the agricultural sector, ensuring a brighter future for Filipino farmers and consumers alike.
The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has announced a comprehensive roadmap for Fiscal Year 2025 and beyond, focusing on advancing agriculture through sustainable practices, innovative technologies, and collaborative partnerships. As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, BPI reaffirms its commitment to addressing emerging challenges while ensuring food security, safety, and sustainability.
Boosting Agricultural Production and Innovation
BPI will enhance agricultural productivity through the establishment of tissue culture laboratories and the adoption of existing technologies from BPI Centers. A gene editing facility will be established to develop locally genetically modified corn with insect-resistant traits. The Bureau will also focus on the development and promotion of modern agricultural technologies aligned with its R&D Agenda 2025-2030. Enhancing buffer stocking through sustainable innovations, such as solar-powered seed storages, is another key priority.
Integrated Pest Management
To enhance sustainable pest management for major agricultural crops, BPI will establish and promote village-type biological control laboratories to empower communities with localized and eco-friendly pest control solutions.
Biosecurity Initiatives
BPI is set to strengthen border controls to prevent the entry of new pests and diseases. Innovative tools such as drones, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies will be leveraged for advanced biosecurity efforts. The establishment of food safety laboratories across Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, CARAGA, and BARMM, along with mobile food safety labs for Visayas and Mindanao, will further reinforce these efforts. The Pagkalinga Program, a multi-year development plan, underscores BPI’s commitment to food safety and security.
Advancing Food Security and Market Access
BPI aims to open more market opportunities for high-value crops while reinforcing measures to protect the agricultural sector from threats. These steps align with its vision of ensuring a resilient and thriving agricultural economy.
Agricultural Engineering and Smart Agriculture
In preparation for the White or Greenhouse Revolution, BPI will develop a roadmap for Controlled Environment Agriculture. The Bureau also plans to promote smart agriculture and expand renewable energy initiatives, including the installation of additional solar panels.
Seed Quality Enhancement
To improve seed quality, BPI will initiate the accreditation of nurseries and tissue culture laboratories. The construction of a new laboratory building for the National Seed Quality Control Services (NSQCS) in La Granja, as well as upgrades in Nueva Ecija and Iloilo, will support these efforts.
Administrative and Digital Innovations
BPI is committed to operational excellence through the expansion of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025:2017 certifications, CSC Certification for PRIME-HRM Level 3, and ISTA Accreditation. Digital transformation initiatives include:
Leveraging information management systems to optimize data utilization for decision-making.
Application of database systems for monitoring seed production areas, geo-tagging plant nurseries, and other field operations.
Intensifying monitoring systems for rice, onion, garlic, and other key commodities.
Launching the RICE UP! National Rice Trade Monitoring and Registration System.
Establishing an Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO).
Collaborative Efforts for Organizational Development
Partnerships remain central to BPI’s strategy. Key collaborations include:
• Hosting the Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
• Organizing the National Seed Summit in June 2025 with the theme, “Seeds of Synergy: Fostering Collaboration and Innovation in the Philippine Seed Industry.”
• Establishing cold storage and food processing facilities in Bago Oshiro, Davao City, in partnership with CPA Agri-Tech and Development Corporation.
• Supporting a shared FDA laboratory in Davao.
• Collaborating with Unity Digital Infrastructure for satellite communications in Davao City.
• Establishing World Vegetable Center satellite offices at BPI facilities.
• Empowering communities through pilot village projects with Korea’s Rural Development Administration (RDA).

New BPI Headquarters
BPI envisions a modern office with facilities designed with renewable energy, environmentally friendly features, green and open spaces, and innovative living spaces that embody its commitment to sustainability.
Key Activities to Celebrate the 95th Anniversary
• The Bureau has organized a series of activities to make the celebration memorable and meaningful for employees, farmers, and stakeholders:
• Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) Sales Event: A special Kadiwa initiative to provide affordable agricultural products to the public while supporting local farmers.
Honoring Retirees and Employees: Recognizing the loyalty and accomplishments of retirees and employees in research, regulatory, and support functions.
• Launch of the R&D Agenda: Introducing the Bureau’s new Research and Development Agenda to guide future innovations.
• Launch of Kadiwa ng Pangulo Facility: Unveiling a new KNP facility to expand access to affordable agricultural products.
• Inauguration of the CRPSD Building: Celebrating the completion of the Crop Research and Production Support Division building.
• Open House: Offering the public a glimpse into BPI’s operations and services through guided tours.
• Exhibits by BPI Centers: Showcasing the latest technologies and innovations developed by BPI centers.
For more information, visit the BPI website https://buplant.da.gov.ph/ or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BureauOfPlantIndustry.