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The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), through the Crop Research and Production Support Division (CRPSD), in collaboration with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), and the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office V (DA-RFO V), successfully held the Retooling Course on Inbred Rice Seed Production and Certification held in Masbate City, Region V, on February 18-21, 2025. This training aimed to retool the seed growers relative to seed production and certification.

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The opening program set an overview for the four-day activity. Through pre-recorded messages, BPI Assistant Director Ruel C. Gesmundo, BPI Assistant Director Herminigilda A. Gabertan, Ph.D., and BPI Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Ph.D. emphasized the significance of the training in ensuring sustainable production of high-quality rice seeds. They also highlighted this initiative’s essential role in strengthening the agricultural sector, particularly in crafting effective interventions and strategies to address the country’s growing demand for quality rice seeds.

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Throughout the training, participants were engaged in a series of insightful discussions. Mr. Arturo C. Arocena, Jr., I.T. Officer, and Mr. Ronnie D. Rimando, Jr., Computer Programmer, from PhilRice, presented the Rice Seed Information System (RSIS) Overview and demonstrated the use of GrowApp. Representatives from the National Seed Quality Control Services (NSQCS), headed by its I.T. Consultant, Mr. Jeruselito G. Gerance, discussed the Faster Processing and Digital Documentation of Accreditation, Seed Inspectors Mobile App, and Seed Certification Portal. The session also carried out a hands-on workshop led by Ms. Evelyn C. Bueza, Senior Agriculturist from NSQCS V, and her team on seed certification procedures and guidelines. Mr. Julius C. Maristela, SRS II, and Mr. Niel Dela Torre, Warehouseman, from PhilRice Bicol, shared cultural management practices for inbred rice seed production. Mr. Emmanuel Aguilar, Provincial Seed Coordinator, also discussed the Values Reorientation. Mr. Anacleto Esplana, Regional Seed Coordinator, provided an update on the Rice Seed Industry in Region V.

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This four-day training is necessary for participants to apply for and renew their seed grower accreditation.

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(022525-32)