Thirty-eight (38) seed growers from Pangasinan and La Union participated in the Retooling Course on Inbred Rice Seed Production and Certification, held at the Department of Agriculture – Pangasinan Research and Experiment Center in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan on April 1-4, 2025.

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The training aims to enhance their expertise in inbred rice seed production and update their certification.

This four-day event was organized by the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) through the Crop Research and Production Support Division (BPI-CRPSD), in partnership with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), and the DA-Regional Field Office I (DA-RFO I), which was facilitated by staff from BPI-CRPSD, National Seed Quality Control Services Division (BPI-NSQCS) I, and ATI-RTC I.

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During the activity, participants installed and explored the Grow App, Seed Inspector Mobile App, and Seed Certification Portal. In addition, participants gained a better understanding of the Rice Seed Information System (RSIS), which was presented by the RSIS team from PhilRice and the BPI-NSQCS.

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The activity also allowed participants to assess the current status of their rice seed industry and rice seed component program, with insights shared by Regional Seed Coordinator, Ms. Analiza R. Ramos. NSQCS I technical experts also discussed proper seed testing methods, procedures, and laboratory standards through both lectures and practical sessions. Furthermore, a lecture on the mechanics, policies, and guidelines for seed certification, including the accreditation process, was also presented by Ms. Noemi A. Avenida from NSQCS I. While PhilRice Batac personnel Mr. Benjamin A. Pajarillo, Jr. discussed the importance of the nine Palay checks in ensuring seed quality.

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The training is prerequisite for the renewal of seed growers accreditation of the participants.