July 8, 2026 — The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), through the Crop Research and Production Support Division (BPI-CRPSD), successfully concluded the 2026 Pre-In-House Research and Development (R&D) Review with the continuation of research presentations on its second and final day.

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Joining the panel of evaluators from Day 1 for the second day was Luis Rey I. Velasco, Ph.D., Consultant of the Crop Pest Management Division, BPI. He joined the panel alongside Engr. Chito F. Sace, Ph.D., Abe, LPT, Research Specialist from Aurora State College of Technology; Barbara L. Caoili, Ph.D., Director of the National Crop Protection Center, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB); Alissa Carol M. Ibarra, Supervising Science Research Specialist II and ISP Manager of DOST-PCAARRD; Joel L. Adorada, Ph.D., Agricultural Center Chief IV of BPI-Los Baños National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center; and Hidelisa D. De Chavez, University Researcher II from Institute of Plant Breeding in UPLB. Each presentation underwent a thorough evaluation and received comments and recommendations to further enhance the quality, technical content, and relevance of the research. The review reaffirmed BPI’s commitment to producing practical and science-based solutions that address the needs of farmers and other stakeholders.

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The following research studies were presented during the second day of the review:

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• In-Vitro Slow Growth Conservation and Field Performance of Purple Yam (Dioscorea alata L.) Accessions: Assessing Genotypic Stability, Growth Indicators, and Yield Potential

• Characterization of Selected Dragon Fruit Varieties at the Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot

• Design, Development, and Evaluation of an Electromechanical Wrapper for Mango

• Modification and Evaluation of a Rice Hull Furnace for Mushroom Bag Substrate Pasteurization

• Establishment of a Controlled Environment System for Rapid Characterization, Regeneration, and Breeding of Underutilized and Indigenous Crops

• Comparative Analysis of Liquid Culture and Conventional Mother Culture on the Yield and Quality of Different Oyster Mushroom Strains Grown on Sawdust-Based Fruiting Bags

• Impact Assessment of BPI-CRPSD Trainings on Rice Seed Production and Certification in Selected Regions of the Philippines from 2021 to 2025

• Growth Response and Agro-Morphological Characterization of Vanilla planifolia Under Varying Natural Light Exposure Conditions

• Characterization and Yield Assessment of Two (2) Native Melon Selections Under an Urban Farming System

The activity concluded with the recognition of the Best Research Papers under the Completed Research category.

• 1st Place – AED Team: Samuel R. Pasa, Gilda Yolanda G. Rodavia, Melvin L. Vista, Jona Vioren M. Ramos, James Iñaki A. Castillo, and Elaiza Nicole S. Dotimas for the study “Modification and Performance Evaluation of the BPI Rice Hull Carbonizer.”

• 2nd Place – CRPSD Team: Jerico F. Noynay, Dana Trish Ann C. Fino, Elaine Jae D. Gumba, Neil Patrick N. Jaring, Mark Jay A. Nono, Johneil S. Aguilar, Elmer L. Pangilinan, Donald M. Dum-an, Lanie Cayabyab, Hazel Joy M. Pacis, and Mary Ann B. Guerrero for the study “Performance and Biological Efficiency Evaluation of a Developed Indoor Cultivation System for Banana-Straw Mushroom (Volvariella volvacea).”

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Through strengthened research initiatives, DA-BPI aims to develop technologies that will help farmers increase crop productivity, improve pest and plant disease management, and expand the use of high-quality planting materials. These efforts are expected to contribute to stronger food security and a more resilient agricultural sector in the country.