The newly inaugurated DA-BPI Seed Genebank will serve as a conservation hub for our country’s plant genetic resources—securing economically important crops for future generations. This is part of the strengthened implementation of the DA-BPI’s mandate, in line with the Department of Agriculture’s directive to modernize and safeguard agricultural genetic resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Led by BPI Director @Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Ph.D., the ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by Atty. Joycel R. Panlilio, DA Assistant Secretary for High Value Crops, Sagip Saka, and Intellectual Property; Joseph Manicad, Director of DA-High Value Crops Development Program; and Dr. Andrea Inocencio of the Office of the Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization, among other key officials.

Currently, the BPI holds nearly 1,000 PGR collections, including white potato, pole snap bean, garden pea, citrus, strawberry, banana, coffee, guyabano, langka, pummelo, durian, mangosteen, lanzones, mango, rambutan, avocado, soybean, mungbean, peanut, tomato, herbs, spices, medicinal plants, and indigenous vegetables… and the collection is still growing!

Other recognized individuals present at the inauguration are Assistant Director Herminigilda A. Gabertan, P.h.D., and Assistant Director Ruel Gesmundo. Also present are the Center Chiefs and other BPI Officials.