A total of 42 future hybrid rice seed growers and one cooperative successfully completed the Season-Long Training on Hybrid Rice Seed Production and Certification, culminating in a graduation ceremony held on May 13, 2025, in Nueva Ecija. The training, which commenced on November 25, 2024, included a five-day intensive lecture series and weekly field monitoring sessions throughout the season.

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The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of the participants to produce high-quality hybrid rice seeds.

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Officials of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Director Dr. Glenn F. Panganiban, Ph.D., and Assistant Director Herminigilda A. Gabertan, Ph.D. congratulated the graduates, highlighting their dedication and persistence throughout the training period.

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Also present were representatives from BPI-CRPSD led by Ms. Aileen D. Agcaoili, ATI-RTC III led by its OIC Assistant Director, Ms. Reinalyn C. Gulen, BPI-NSQCS III under Ms. Jesusa Stephanie P. Calderon, DA-RFO III Regional Seed Coordinator, Mr. Christian T. Ramos, Nueva Ecija’s Acting Provincial Agriculturist, Dr. Jovita B. Agliam, and the training facilitators from PhilRice, Dr. Fidel Ramos, Mr. Marvin Manalang, and Mr. Leonilo Gramaje.

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Graduates expressed their gratitude to the organizing agencies for providing them with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and improve their practices. Many shared that this training strengthened their motivation to contribute to advancing the country’s agricultural growth and success.

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In the long run, the training assists in achieving the national objectives of the Bureau of Plant Industry to develop sustainable, high-quality seed production systems within the country. By equipping them with the skills and knowledge, it helps provide a steady supply of certified hybrid rice seeds that ensures food security, farm productivity, and agricultural prosperity.

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(051525-21)