The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) recently hosted a delegation from the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) to exchange knowledge on plant quarantine and agricultural safety, paving the way for potential trade collaboration.

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BPI Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Ph.D., welcomed the RMI delegation, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships, food safety, and stringent phytosanitary standards in facilitating agricultural trade. He highlighted collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and regulatory alignment as key factors in strengthening trade ties and promoting economic growth.

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The RMI delegation, led by Chief of Quarantine Ms. Daffodil Silver Wase, expressed appreciation for BPI’s efforts and time in arranging this visit with farm and facility owners of fresh produce such as mango, okra, cantaloupe, lowland vegetables, sweet potato, and microgreens. Chief Wase, along with Quarantine Inspector/Invasive Species Coordinator Mr. Foster Lanwe and Crop Production Officer Mr. Byrelson Jacklick, shared RMI’s interest in potential trade partnerships with the Philippines, stressing the need for facilities that meet BPI’s Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification to ensure high-quality, export-ready products.

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Mr. Samuel Fontanilla, Assistant Division Chief of BPI-Plant Product Safety Services Division (PPSSD), presented the PhilGAP Certification Process, underscoring its role in food safety, quality assurance, and market competitiveness. He emphasized that PhilGAP certification is essential for meeting international trade standards and ensuring compliance with pesticide residue management. Meanwhile, Ms. Shereene R. Samala, Assistant Division Chief for Technical Matters of BPI-National Plant Quarantine Services Division (NPQSD), outlined the Plant Quarantine Export System, highlighting the importance of phytosanitary certification in facilitating smooth and safe agricultural trade.

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Also in attendance were Ms. Laarni Mary S. Roxas, Regional Manager of Region III Plant Quarantine Service (PQS)-Pampanga, and Mr. Vince Marco C. Vilar, Desk Officer for South Asia and Oceania, who assisted and provided technical guidance during the visit.

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This productive exchange strengthens trade prospects between the Philippines and RMI, with shared efforts to uphold high agricultural standards and expand market opportunities for both nations.

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(021325-13)