04 December 2025 | The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) successfully held the blessing and inauguration of the rehabilitated NSQCS Region 7-Satellite Seed Quality Control Laboratory located at the Bohol Experiment Station (BES), Brgy. Gabi, Ubay, Bohol.
This historic occasion is a testament to BPI’s continued efforts to expand the delivery of Seed and Plant Material Certification services through the National Seed Quality Control Services (NSQCS) nationwide. The BPI Management, under the leadership of BPI Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, provides unwavering support to NSQCS by providing resources and direction for capacity building to ensure the availability of high-quality seeds to farmers and to support regional growth and development. This laboratory stands as a testament to resilience and collaboration, having been rebuilt after Typhoon Odette devastated Bohol in the fourth quarter of 2022, causing significant damage to the original structure. Today, the NSQCS Bohol has been fully rehabilitated and restored.
The event was graced by OIC-Assistant Director for Regulatory Services & Concurrent Chief, NSQCS, Mr. Ruel C. Gesmundo; NSQCS Region 7 Regional and Satellite Chief, Ms. Marcheta C. Brina; Agricultural Center Chief III of Bohol Experiment Station (BES), Mr. Felix N. Tubiano. Also present were Mr. Rico Rommel A. Varquez (Regional Seed Coordinator of Region 7); Ms. Lorebien N. Lagapa (Provincial Seed Coordinator of Bohol); Ms. Bernadita A. Castulo (Chairman of the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council – Bohol); Ms. Glaiza V. Sanchez (OIC-Municipal Agriculturist of Ubay); and Chairman Sergio M. Saavedra of Brgy. Gabi, Ubay, Bohol. Likewise, this was also attended by Ms. Elalin T. Torio, NSQCS Assistant Division Chief, and Chiefs of Regional and Satellite Laboratories from CAR, BARMM, and I-XIII.
In honor of the history and dedication of NSQCS Region 7-Satellite, Ms. Brina recounted that the establishment of the first NSQCS facility in Bohol was made possible through the support of Former Governor Erico B. Aumentado, who recognized the importance of bringing certification services closer to seed growers in Bohol. Since the facility began operations, the turnaround time for certification processes in the province has improved dramatically.
This event also featured a success story of Mr. Terencio Palma, a seed grower from Bohol. Although he did not complete his education, the said seed grower worked hard to improve his life through farming. According to him, his livelihood further improved when he became a seed grower. To date, he has 60 ha of seed production area, and the income from this has allowed him to purchase machinery and other farming equipment.
Mr. Palma’s story is a proof that a livelihood can be prosperous through seed production. He hopes that this story will inspire other seed growers to apply for accreditation and certification to ensure the availability of high-quality seeds and planting materials throughout the country.
As a symbol of BPI’s commitment to enhancing food security, improving farmers’ livelihoods and income, and promoting sustainable farming, the NSQCS 7 distributed certified seedlings of mango and jackfruit to invited farmers.
(122225 – 33)