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The BPI-NSQCS conducted an Information Caravan for plant nursery operators in Region XI last May 8, 2025. This was held at Barangay Peñaplata, Samal District, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, with a total of 51 plant nursery operators from the region.

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The Information Caravan aims to promote the bureau’s Plant Nursery Accreditation and Plant Material Certification Programs of the National Seed Quality Control Services (NSQCS) which ensure the availability of high-quality planting materials, particularly for fruits and plantation crops.

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The event started with a video message from the OIC-Assistant Director for Regulatory Services and Concurrent Chief of NSQCS, Ruel C. Gesmundo. In his message, he underscored the importance of quality planting materials in boosting the total farm productivity of the region, especially in the background of rising food demands in the country. BPI Director Dr. Glenn Panganiban also encouraged participants to support the bureau’s programs and help produce top-quality planting materials. Hon. Al David Uy, municipal mayor of the Island Garden City of Samal, welcomed participants and expressed gratitude to BPI for holding the event on the island. He noted it was the first program on accreditation and certification held in Samal Island and encouraged attendees to advocate for these initiatives. He hoped the participants would advocate for Plant Nursery Accreditation and Plant Material Certification programs to counteract the detrimental issues affecting the sector. Mr. Jimuel Rebigan, municipal agriculturist of IGACOS, also gave his welcoming remarks to the participants and he further emphasized the essentiality of the initiatives to support the high-value crop sector.

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NSQCS Region XI Chief Rosalinda P. Aratan acknowledged the participants comprised of prospective nursery operators from both government and private sectors. Afterward, a series of topics were discussed by experts and resource speakers from the Bureau and related agencies.

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Ms. Crystal Venus Santander from Region XI-HVCDP discussed the Regional outlook on high-value crops, and Ms. Aurora De Guzman from BPI-NSQCS Central Office provided the step-by-step process involved in the certification of mother trees and asexually and sexually propagated seedlings of fruit and plantation crops. She also discussed the scheme for plant nursery accreditation.

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Mr. Yondre Yonder, the Chief of BPI-GNCRDPSC, discussed the Varietal Identification of NSIC- Registered Varieties of Mango, Mr. Ernie Lito Bollosa from BPI-CRPSD explained the intricacies of nursery establishment and management; and Mr. Justin Beltran of BPI-PPSSD Davao explained the PhilGAP certification process. Mr. Ian Earl Lacson from BPI-begin producing certified planting materials. Movement of plants and Plant Products. The participants were also able to witness the tagging of certified seedlings of cacao and mango the way deputized/designated plant material inspectors do.

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The BPI-NSQCS considers the Information Caravan a success and aims to replicate this initiative in other regions to further promote nursery accreditation and certified planting material production nationwide, thereby encouraging nursery operators to begin producing certified planting materials and have their nurseries accredited.

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(051425-19)