The celebration of the 96th Anniversary of the establishment of the Bureau of Plant Industry held on February 11, 2026 was successful and historic, with the theme “Buhayin, Payabungin, Ingatan: Pagkilala sa Kontribusyon ng Kababaihan at Kabataan sa Paghahalaman para sa Masaganang Kinabukasan.”
The celebration was led by BPI Director Dr. Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, BPI Assistant Director for Research, Development, and Production Support Services Dr. Herminigilda A. Gabertan, BPI Assistant Director for Regulatory Services Ruel P. Gesmundo, and officials from the DA and BPI.
In his message, Dr. Panganiban recognized the important contributions of women and youth in building a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient agricultural sector. He added that the anniversary serves as a call for continued public service and innovation for future generations.
In a video message, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. emphasized the critical role of the BPI as the country’s first line of defense through plant quarantine, research, and modern technologies to ensure food security and address the challenges of climate change.
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso also attended the event and stated that food insecurity is a threat to national security. He shared the partnership between the City of Manila and BPI in studying urban farming technologies, with Singapore as a model for local food production in a highly urbanized city.
Meanwhile, in his video message, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan highlighted the vital role of women and youth in agriculture and encouraged stronger youth participation to help secure food for the next generation.
The celebration also featured an Exhibit Walk-through and Open House, showcasing BPI programs, technologies, and achievements over the past year. Strong support was shown for Kadiwa ng Pangulo, featuring Benteng Bigas and other agricultural products in support of local farmers and producers.
The 96th Anniversary of the BPI reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and continued public service for a safer and more prosperous future for agriculture—an advocacy that will continue to be strengthened as it moves toward its 100th Anniversary.
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