The BPI-National Seed Quality Control Services Division conducted the second refresher course on Plant Nursery Accreditation and Plant Material certification for Plant Nursery Evaluators (PNE) and Plant Material Inspectors (PMI) at the ATI, USM Compound, Kabacan, North Cotabato, on October 14-18, 2024.
Thirty deputized and designated PNE and PMI from Region 6 to BARMM attended the refresher training on the process and requirements of the nursery accreditation and plant material certification programs.
The training aims to strengthen their technical capabilities in performing their functions and provide technical know-how in evaluating the procedures and evaluation of NSIC-registered varieties of selected fruit and plantation crops.
The event convened with a video message from Ruel C. Gesmundo, OIC-Assistant Director for Regulatory Services and Concurrent Chief of NSQCS. He hoped that this course would strengthen the participants’ technical capabilities and instill excellence and integrity in their work as evaluators and inspectors.
In a recorded message, BPI Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Ph.D., encouraged the participants to engage with one another and learn from the experts because their roles are vital in the success of the PMC and PNA programs and, ultimately, the success of the high-value crops sector.
During the opening program, Ms. Omara Kempa, Chief of NSQCS Region 12 and BARMM, and Mr. Rey Domingo, representing DA-RFO 12, welcomed the participants and hoped that they would learn a lot and enjoy the training.
Ms. Aurora L. De Guzman of NSQCS-CO explained the Protocols for Plant Nursery Accreditation and Plant Material Certification. Mr. John Lawrenz Salvador from BPI-NSQCS (CO) discussed the Geo-tagging System for Nurseries and Mother Trees developed by their team. Mr. Darwin Landicho from NPQSD-Central Laboratory shared the Research updates on the status and diagnosis of cassava witches broom disease. Mr. Cyprian Magaway, from the National Plant Quarantine Services Division (Cotabato), discussed the existing guidelines and regulations for the movement of planting materials.
On the third day of training, Mr. Virgilio Loquias, a retired BPI employee from BPI-Davao NCRDPSC, discussed the varietal identification of durian, lanzones, rambutan, and mangosteen and their management. Mr. Paul Alcantara of NSIC explained the guidelines for evaluating, selecting, and registering new fruit crop varieties. Mr. Jose M. Remollo, III and Engr. Evangeline P. Garcia from PRRI discussed the clonal identification and cultural management of rubber, while Ms. Cyd Clarisse Palado of NSQCS CO discussed modern biotechnology tools and their applications for plant material certification.
Dr. Miriam D. Baltazar, Director of Research Center-Cavite State University, discussed the Varietal Identification of NSIC-registered Coffee, while Dr. Romulo L. Cena, a retired professor from the University of Southern Mindanao, discussed the Varietal Identification of NSIC-registered Cacao. Dr. Felipe Dela Cruz, consultant of PMC, explained the pomological evaluation of fruits.
Practical exercises assessed the participants’ understanding of their roles as PNEs and PMIs. They had pre-and post-tests and a field practicum at the University of Southern Mindanao Agricultural Research and Development Center, and they presented an action plan to implement what they had gained from the week-long training.
This initiative plays a crucial role in fulfilling BPI’s mandate of ensuring the availability of quality planting materials. The farmers and agricultural stakeholders are guaranteed access to high-quality seeds and planting materials by implementing the certification and accreditation standards.
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