The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), through its National Seed Industry Council and in collaboration with the Philippine Seed Industry Association, successfully led the 6th National Seed Summit 2025 yesterday, May 27, 2025, held at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management in Diliman, Quezon City.

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The summit brought together over 150 plenary participants and featured private seed companies highlighting their critical role in advancing the Philippine seed industry. Participating companies included Ramgo, East-West Seed, Kaneko, Harbest, Allied Botanical Co., Leads Agri, Advanta, Enviro, Syngenta, KSHC, PSIA, and Rijk Zwaan. In support of the event, the BPI’s Crop Research and Production Support Division (CRPSD) distributed free seeds, seedlings, and informational, educational, and communication (IEC) materials to promote greater awareness and engagement among attendees.

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The ribbon-cutting ceremony, which commenced the insightful event, was graced by key stakeholders and institutions involved in varietal development and registration, seed innovations, and seed regulations. Among the distinguished attendees were DA Under Secretary for High-Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, MTM; DA Under Secretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization and Under Secretary for Rural Credit Engr. Roger V. Navarro, DA-BPI Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Ph.D.; Assistant Director For Research, Development, and Production Support Services Herminigilda A. Gabertan, Ph.D.; Assistant Director For Regulatory Services Ruel C. Gesmundo; Director John C. De Leon (DA-PhilRice); Director Milo D. Delos Reyes, CESO III (DA – National Corn Program); President Romualdo I. Elvira (Philippine Maize Incorporation); Director Elmer E. Enicola (IPB-UPLB); Dr. Violeta N. Villegas (PVP Board Member); Vice President Julius Barcelona (PSIA); Director Reynaldo V. Ebora (DOST-PCAARRD); Director Emerson S. Yago (Masagana RIDP); Director Joell H. Lales (DA – BAR); Dr. Felipe S. Dela Cruz (Philippine Fruit Association); and other representatives of private seed companies, BPI NSQCS, NCRDPS Center Chiefs, National Seed Industry Council Members and Secretariat, DA Officials and key personnel.

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Despite his busy schedule, DA Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. briefly graced the event, underscoring the vital role of the Seed Summit in strengthening the agriculture sector. Sec Kiko’s presence highlighted the importance he places on quality seeds as the foundation of food security, productivity, and sustainable farming.

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During the event, stakeholders actively engaged in discussions on pressing issues facing the seed industry, including the identification of practical solutions and actionable policy recommendations. The summit also underscored the importance of strong collaboration among the public sector, private companies, and farmers to strengthen and empower the local seed industry.

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