Manila: The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has highlighted the crucial role of women and the youth in fostering a smart and innovative agricultural landscape in the Philippines as it commemorates its 96th founding anniversary. BPI Director Glenn Panganiban emphasized the need for stronger institutions and smarter systems with inclusive participation from women and youth in shaping the future of the agriculture sector.
According to Philippines News Agency, this year's anniversary theme, 'Buhayin, Payabungin, Ingatan: Pagkilala sa Kontribusyon ng Kababaihan at Kabataan sa Paghahalaman para sa Masaganang Kinabukasan,' underscores the importance of human resources, including women and the youth, alongside the Philippines' biodiversity and crops. The BPI's key achievements over the past year include enhanced research and development initiatives, public-private partnerships, and strict monitoring against smuggling.
The BPI has continued its efforts in production support by distributing rice, corn, and vegetable seeds to cooperatives, local government units, schools, and communities. The 'Produksyon ng Binhi sa Barangay Movement (PBBM)' has strengthened localized seed supply through community-based seed nurseries. Additionally, the BPI-Los Ba±os National Crop Research Development and Production Support Center's tissue culture laboratory has been rehabilitated to further these efforts.
Urban and peri-urban agriculture initiatives have expanded, focusing on school and community gardens and modern cultivation systems. These efforts involve close collaboration with youth, women, and communities. The BPI has also generated data on various commodities to increase yields and conducted industry benchmarking to enhance corn production.
The BPI has reported enhanced global trade for various agricultural commodities, including resumed market access for fresh mangoes to New Zealand and new access to Mongolia and Italy. Other significant achievements include market access for fresh avocado, calamansi, and okra to Russia, and fresh durian to Egypt. The Philippines has also gained market access for processed cacao, coffee, and coconut products to South Korea.
The agency has empowered local farmers and retail consumers by providing safe and affordable food through Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP)-accredited sites across several cities. In BPI Manila, agricultural commodities worth PHP15 million were sold, with the Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na program accounting for significant sales, serving at least 800 families weekly.
