Los Baños | The Bureau of Plant Industry – Los Baños National Crop Research, Development, and Production Support Center (LBNCRDPSC) celebrated its 93rd founding anniversary on November 21-22, 2024. The event brought together partner organizations such as KOPIA, DOST-PCAARRD, farmers, LGU representatives, seed companies, exhibitors, and officials and employees from the BPI Central Office.
This year’s theme, “BPI Los Baños: 93 Taong Kaagapay ng mga Magsasaka Tungo sa Makabago at Masaganang Agrikultura,” conveys a timely message, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration in driving progress and fostering innovation in agriculture.
In his message, Dr. Joel L. Adorada, OIC of BPI-LBNCRDPSC, extended his gratitude to colleagues, partner agencies, clients, and friends who believe in the Center’s mission. He applauded their dedication to treading a path marked by challenges, triumphs, and a legacy of service in agriculture for over nine decades. Dr. Adorada emphasized that every seed, innovation, and program introduced is a testament to their collective efforts in advancing agriculture in the country.
BPI Assistant Director for Research, Development, and Production Support Services, Herminigilda A. Gabertan, Ph.D., reflected on the Center’s humble beginnings with limited facilities and resources. She expressed pride in the Center’s accomplishments and gratitude to the men and women who contributed to its success. As BPI continues its mission to enhance farmers’ productivity and profitability through research, development, production, and the transfer of high-quality seeds, planting materials, and farming technologies, Dr. Gabertan emphasized the importance of R&D and innovative practices, particularly in plant breeding, to address challenges such as malnutrition and the negative impacts of climate change.
Dr. Gabertan also underscored the value of organic farming and environmentally friendly technologies, urging stronger collaboration with international partners. Concluding with a call to action, she reminded everyone that the future of agriculture relies on the seeds of effort and innovation sown today.
Dr. Kyu Seong Lee, Director of the KOPIA Philippines Center, delivered the keynote speech, expressing his deep admiration for Filipino culture and people, even humorously claiming he was Filipino in his past life. He highlighted South Korea’s gratitude to the Philippines, recalling the alliance during the Korean War and affirming that grants, technologies, and subsidies are expressions of this appreciation.
Dr. Lee celebrated the success of the KOPIA Pilot Villages Project, crediting BPI, LGUs, and especially the dedicated farmers of Siniloan, Lucban, and Zaragoza. He urged continued support from communities and LGUs to sustain the project for decades. Stressing the importance of research and development in agriculture, he called on BPI leaders to inspire employees to pursue learning and innovation and share this knowledge with farmers to improve their yields and incomes.
The two-day celebration features various activities, including Kadiwa, exhibits, training sessions, webinars, Organic Agriculture Field Day, field tour, and a Staff Day to recognize the invaluable contributions of employees to this year’s achievements.
As BPI-Los Baños celebrates this milestone, it reaffirms its commitment to continuous innovation and the advancement of technologies that will further support and empower farmers, driving sustainable progress in agriculture for the years ahead.
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