The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) proudly hosted the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Executive Committee Meeting at the NSIC Conference Room, BPI Central Office in Malate, Manila.

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BPI Director Dr. Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Assistant Director Herminigilda A. Gabertan, Ph.D., and Assistant Director Ruel C. Gesmundo, who also serves as the Chief of the National Seed Quality Control Services (NSQCS) and an ISTA Executive Committee Member-at-Large, welcomed the esteemed ISTA ECOM delegates during a courtesy call.

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The ECOM meeting provides an opportunity to discuss future initiatives, share insights on seed quality assurance, and strengthen international partnerships. The meeting runs from February 16-22, 2025.

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The BPI-NSQCS has become the first government Seed Testing Laboratory in the Philippines to be accredited by ISTA. This prestigious accreditation was granted in June 28, 2024 following a rigorous Accreditation Audit conducted on March 20, 2024.

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ISTA accreditation signifies that the BPI-NSQCS laboratory meets stringent international standards for seed testing, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and consistency in its processes. It also affirms that the laboratory’s personnel possess the competence required at a global level.

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(021725-18)