In the collective commitment to collaborate and address the growing biosecurity challenges in agriculture and trade, the Bureau of Plant Industry’s National Plant Quarantine Services Division (BPI-NPQSD), in partnership with the Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), kicked off the Quarantine Regulators Meeting with the Industry Training yesterday, April 28, at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang. This marks the beginning of the five-day program in Manila, running from April 28 to May 2, 2025. Now in its 15th year, the meeting, themed “The Evolution of Biosecurity Regulations: Past, Present, and Future,” continues to serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among biosecurity agencies to strengthen measures to identify, prepare for, and respond to biosecurity risks.
Attendees include staff from the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) and representatives from National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) across Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East, and South America. In total, more than 64 participants gathered on-site for the face-to-face meeting, while over 31 joined virtually.
During the Welcome Message, Ms. Shereene R. Samala, Assistant Division Chief for Technical Matters of NPQSD, emphasized the purpose of the QRM. “Today marks an important opportunity to strengthen the bridge between regulatory bodies and our valued industry stakeholders, as we work together to shape a more resilient and forward-looking approach to biosecurity,” Ms. Samala said. She also highlighted that this year’s theme reflects the collective journey of how the sector has grown through scientific breakthroughs, adapted to global changes, and strengthened systems through international collaboration.
On the first day, participants gained valuable insights into several key topics. Paulo C. Bondoc provided an in-depth discussion on “Methyl Bromide: Ozone Science and Regulatory Update,” while David Marrs delivered a comprehensive presentation on “ProFume Fumigant in Global Trade: Opportunities and Regulations for Export and Import.” Meanwhile, Mr. William Mugot, Chief of Plant Product Safety Services Division (BPI-PPSSD), led a detailed review of the milestones of the Mobile Plant Food Safety Laboratory, and Darwin M. Landicho, Ph.D., extensively discussed the Phytosanitary Diagnostic Services offered by the BPI-NPQSD.
Closing the ceremony, NPQSD Chief Joan-May R. Tolentino described the topics discussed as innovations, emphasizing that through these advancements, the Philippines is opening its doors wider to the world. She noted that although the Philippines is a small archipelago in Southeast Asia, its passion and dedication to biosecurity are as expansive and enduring as the value it strives to contribute to the global community.
The meeting was a success, with NPQSD demonstrating its steadfast commitment to protecting agriculture against the introduction, establishment, and spread of pests while supporting the smooth flow of trade and strengthening the resilience of the agricultural sector in the face of emerging global challenges.
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