A series of significant events unfolded today, June 26, 2025, at the DA-BPI Los Baños National Crop Research, Development, and Production Support Center (DA-BPI LBNCRDPSC). These include the inauguration of the DA-BPI Los Baños Kadiwa Center, Tissue Culture Laboratory, and Biological Control Facility, as well as a Vehicle Dedication Ceremony. All activities were anchored on the theme, “Strengthening Farming Support through Innovative Agri-Technologies.”

The inauguration was led by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., together with BPI Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Ph.D., and other officials from the Department.

In his message, Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed his gratitude to everyone present and emphasized that the event marked a significant step forward in modernizing Philippine agriculture. He shared that the visit opened his eyes to the urgent need to expand the tissue culture laboratory, production facilities, and biological control laboratory, which are crucial in providing farmers with free, quality planting materials and biocontrol agents. Secretary Laurel committed to exploring ways to increase the budget for these initiatives in 2026 and beyond. He stressed that in the face of climate change, population growth, and environmental degradation, innovation must take center stage. “Our farmers deserve nothing less than full support, grounded in science and technology,” he said.

The objective of these activities is to strengthen support for farmers by enhancing agricultural facilities and technologies, in line with the DA-BPI’s mandate to ensure the availability of high-quality planting materials, promote plant health, and deliver science-based solutions. By expanding access to innovative services and sustainable inputs, the Bureau reaffirms its vital role in building a more resilient and productive Philippine agriculture.