The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), through the Crop Research and Production Support Division (CRPSD), in collaboration with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), successfully conducted the Capacity Building Activities of SeedNet Members towards the Production of High-Quality Seeds of Adverse Environment Rice Varieties on March 17-21, 2025, in Nueva Ecija, Region III. The training aimed to revitalize the seed networks nationwide and increase the availability of higher classes of seeds of varieties for adverse ecosystems.
This five-day training was attended with a total of fourteen (14) participants composed of representatives from different SeedNet Members from SUCs such as Visayas State University (VSU), Upi Agricultural School (UAS), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic College (ISPC), including Rice Seed Coordinator, Seed Inspectors, and Production Area representatives of DA-Research and Experiment Stations in Region IV-A and Region III in Tarlac.
The activities were spearheaded and facilitated by staff from BPI-CRPSD, BPI-NSQCS III, and ATI-RTC III. The training included a combination of lectures and practical activities, providing participants with a comprehensive learning experience. Technical experts from PhilRice Central Office and NSQCS Region 3 served as the resource persons for various topics and activities. Some topics covered during the training include the importance of passport data for understanding seed characteristics and ensuring proper traceability, and palay checks—the process of assessing the quality of palay to ensure high seed quality. Additionally, participants learned the significance of roguing and had the opportunity to apply this knowledge in a field practicum at the PhilRice Complex.
To ensure varietal purity and meet seed certification standards, participants conducted roguing by removing off-type plants, diseased plants, and weeds during a hands-on field session. This field experience allowed them to directly apply the knowledge gained during the lectures and better understand the practical aspects of seed certification.
The program concluded with a graduation ceremony and brief discussion of Dr. Loida M. Perez about the Local Seed Support for Rice Production Project in which concerns and clarification about the implementation and role of each seed member, including a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), were addressed.
Ms. Josephine Reyes, Chief, NSQCS-III, officially closed the program, extending her gratitude to the participants and the host agencies for their efforts in making the initiative a success.
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